Monday, September 30, 2019

Cognitive and psychodynamic approach to psychology

The Difference Between The Cognitive Approach And The Psychodynamic Approach To PsychologyPsychologists introduced a figure of diverse attacks in order to understand human nature and behavior. There are different ways of explicating phenomena, which is why there are different attacks. These different attacks include Cognitive and Psychodynamic. The Cognitive attack began to revolutionize psychological science in the late fiftiess and early 1960s.Piaget is the best known cognitive development research worker who suggested that, believing progressed through qualitative alterations due to the increasing adulthood of encephalon. He is remembered for his surveies of cognitive development in kids ( 1896-1980 ) . The cyberspace site, quotes.net quotation marks Jean Piaget as stating â€Å"The chief end of instruction is to make work forces who are capable of making new things, non merely of reiterating what other coevalss have done† Cognitive psychologists are interested in how people understand, diagnose and work out jobs. Cognitive research chiefly focuses on how our encephalons procedure information and the research tends to take topographic point in the research lab than in real-life scenes. The cognitive attack provinces that cognitive upsets have been learned, and so can be unlearned. Harmonizing to Albert Ellis, when we think positively and do determinations based on grounds, we behave rationally, and as a consequence we are happy, competent and effectual. On the other manus, prolonged irrational thought can take to psychological jobs and unnatural behavior. Attribution theory suggests that when we are disguised with person ‘s behavior, we try to work out in our heads why the individual is moving Wyrd. Harmonizing to Kelley ( 1967, 1973 ) , when we are doing these ascriptions, we work out in phases, First, we try to make up one's mind whether the person is to be blamed for his actions, secondly, whether person else is responsible and thirdly, whether the state of affairs itself has influenced the individual to act in such a manner. Unlike cognitive attack, the psychodynamic attack focuses on the three parts of head which are witting, unconscious and preconscious and the three constituents of personality which are id, self-importance and superego. Conscious are ideas and perceptual experiences while unconscious are wants and desires formed in childhood. It was chiefly initiated by Sigmund Freud, a Viennese physician who specialised in neurology. All psychodynamic theories stem from depth psychology. Freud foremost developed the basic thought that understanding behavior requires insight into the ideas and feelings which influence our actions. Hill ( 2001 p.72 ) quotes Sigmund Freud as stating â€Å"I set myself the undertaking of conveying to illume what human existences maintain hidden within them† . Freud ‘s apprehension of the head was mostly based on interpretative methods. Freud argued that, childhood experiences play a important portion in grownup development including the development of grownup personality. Every kid must go through through the alleged psycho-sexual phases ; how a kid experiences these phases plays a important function in the development of his/her personality.Methods Of ProbeCognitive developmental psychologists have used methods such as observation eg Piaget day-to-day observation of kids playing and experimentation eg experiments comparing the ability of two different age groups to go through preservation trials. Piaget was looking at the sort of errors that kids of different age group make. Piaget ‘s theory provides elaborate description of development but does non truly explicate decently. By concentrating on the kid ‘s errors, he might hold overlooked more of import abilities that kids do possess. Psychodynamic psychologists nevertheless used clinical instance surveies, dream analysis and free association to research their theory. Freud used to look into his patients in item and deeply analyse and interpreted all they said and did. Carl Gustav Jung ( 1875-1961 ) was the first favorite adherent of Freud. Jung disagreed with Freud that dreams are ever disguised wish fulfillment ensuing from the past fortunes alternatively Jung suggested that dreams reflect current pre-occupations.Strengths And Failings Of Psychodynamic ApproachStrengths:Psychodynamic attack reminds us that, early childhood experience can hold an impact on people throughout their live without them being cognizant that it is go oning. Therefore, the attack accepts that everyone can endure mental unwellness through no mistake of their ain. It besides offers a ‘cure ‘ for abnormalcy through depth psychology by explicating the implicit in causes in the unconscious, doing them witting, and let go ofing the patient from the emotional hurting caused by the childhood injury. Many people would hold that, unconscious procedures do hold an consequence on human behavior, and Freud ‘s work on how defense mechanism mechanisms protect the self-importance is particularly utile. Freud instance surveies like `Little Hans` and `Anna O` detailed aggregation of informations provided scientific support for his theory and depth psychology has tremendous explanatory power and has something to state on a immense assortment of of import subjects. The failings of psychodynamic attack are that, it can non be scientifically observed or tested. In fact, it has ne'er been disproved by any trial. There is no manner of showing if the unconscious really exists and verify if a pent-up memory is a existent or false memory unless independent grounds is available, in that context, most of psychodynamic theories are taken on religion. Freud over emphatic sexual causes and harmonizing to Breuer, Freud was prone to â€Å"excessive generalisation† . A healer must analyze and construe any grounds recovered by a psychoanalyst from a patient, this leaves open the possibility of serious misunderstanding or prejudice because two healers may construe the same grounds in wholly different ways. Finally, the psychodynamic attack ignores possible account of unnatural behavior by other psychological attacks. As for the cognitive attack, it concentrates on current information-processing by the encephalon, it does non depend on the past history of the client, and for illustration, retrieving pent-up memories from the unconscious. It besides had practical applications and deductions for the society. Cognitive research workers normally conduct scientific and nonsubjective research to back up their theories, nevertheless, it has been accused that the cognitive psychologists ignored the immense complexness of human operation by comparing to computing machine working. It besides ignores the emotional life of worlds.ComparisonThe psychodynamic attack provinces that, behaviour is non learned but caused by forces in the unconscious unlike the cognitive attack which states that behavior is learned as we process information and mental alterations in of import ways over clip. Psychodynamic attack considers behaviour as predetermined. They point out that different parts of the head are in changeless d ynamic battle with each other, so persons have no control over their behaviors but the cognitive attack see behavior as non predetermined. It states that we ever have power to alter knowledge. Psychodynamic attack is regarded as unscientific because it can non be measured or manipulated, whereas cognitive attack is regarded as scientific since it considers the encephalon is similar to a computing machine where information can be manipulated. Unlike cognitive attack, psychodynamic attack chiefly focuses on early childhood behaviors. The chief differences are the attack in which each theory takes in finding the cause of mental unwellness or mal adjusted behaviour eg psychodynamic position focuses more so on unconscious procedure while cognitive position focuses more so on mental procedures.SimilaritiesEach theory is used to specify the outlook of work forces, explain mental unwellness and find a manner to command if necessary. Each theory on its ain manner focuses on the human head and its reaction to its environment. They both have trouble in corroborating their research.Mentions · Hill G. 2001 As Level Psychology through Diagrams Oxford University imperativeness. hypertext transfer protocol: //en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Psychology hypertext transfer protocol: //www.associatedcontent.com/article/21688/psychodynamic_humanistic_and_cognitive.html? cat=58 hypertext transfer protocol: //www.ngfl-cymru.org.uk/vtc/ngfl/psychology/psy_1.doc â€Å" Jean Piaget. † Quotes.net. STANDS4 LLC, 2009. 14 November. 2009. hypertext transfer protocol: //www.quotes.net/quote/16376

Sunday, September 29, 2019

Missing Children

INTRODUCTION Over the years our country, Malaysia has been bombarded with abundance of missing children/ children abduction cases. A statistic released by police of Malaysia, stated that a total of 3223 children below 18 went missing between 2008 and April last year (2012). Of this figure, only about 1000 cases were solved. From the statistic, it’s clearly shown that, over 3223 cases reported 2223 cases still unsolved. The questions are, how does it happen? Who should be blamed? What the impact of this scenario? And what are the best ways to prevent children from missing?Thus, in this essay, the priority will be given to the causes, the effects and some suggestions to overcome missing children cases. THE CAUSES OF MISSING CHILDREN Figure 1 : The Causes Of Missing Children Family Problems This is the prominent causes of the missing children cases happened not just in Malaysia but also around the globe. Many people agree with it as basically, parents play an important role on ho w to nurture the family, to treat the children and to solve any problems happen to the members of the family.Family problems can be included in term of financial problem, misunderstanding among family members and lack of intention and in search of freedom. When a certain family is having some financial problems, it will slightly affect the children because children actually are still young to know any problems related to the financial status of their family. So, parents should aware about this problem, never reveal or expose any financial problem to your children. Apart from that, children need intention from their family.They are still young and at these ages (below 18) they really need the intention from their family or parents negligence. If they do not get the full intention from the family, they might be in influenced in much bad behaviour like vandalism, gangsterism and they might tend to run away from home. Hence, ever Picture 1 : parents have to play an important role in rai sing up the children. Peer Influence When the children do not get the full intention from their parents, they tend to share their problems with their friends. They share most everything with their friends from school issues to their feelings.Sometimes the missing of children happens because of love matter. At these ages they are easily falling in love with somebody. This is because those children feel that their lover can give them freedom and better life. Picture 2 : peers have the ability to influence the children to be good or bad Job Opportunities Lastly, the cause that leads to children missing is the job opportunities. It usually happens to the children that don’t like to go for education at school. They think that education is just wasting their time, so they quit their school and start working.However, parents usually prohibit them from working because this is not a time for them to find money and work. Then, when the children don’t be given the opportunity to work, they decide to run away from home and work. THE EFFECTS OF MISSING CHILDREN Penalising Errant Parents People argue that we need to blame the parents first because of the missing children cases. It is because; they are the ones who close to their children more than anyone else. It is therefore, not surprising that more and more voice are being raised in favour of penalising errant parents.According to the law, these errant parents will be penalised under Section 33 of the Child Act 2001 that result them to be liable to a fine not exceeding RM 5000 or imprisonment for a term not exceeding two years or both. Section 33 of the Child Act 2001| Provides that any person who, being a parent, guardian or person with temporary care of a child, leave that child 😠 * Without making reasonable provision for the supervision and care of the child;| * For a period which is unreasonable having regard to all the circumstances; or | * Under conditions which are unreasonable having regard t o all the circumstances. Commits an offence and shall, on conviction, be liable to a fine not exceeding RM 5000 or imprisonment for a term not exceeding two years or both. | Figure 2 : Section 33 of the Child Act 2001 The Missing Children Life And Safety Are Not Guaranteed. In some cases, not all missing children reported that they are running away from home. It is because they might be missing due to the kidnap. Those children who are kidnaped by the criminals might live in a dangerous and awful life. Some of them are kidnaped to be slaves of criminals; helping the criminals to find money just like what is happening in our countries.These children are forced to become beggars and ask donation from the public. In some other cases, we may find out that those children are forced to become prostitutes. This happens mostly in Middle Eastern Countries. The world we live in is no stranger to one of the biggest reasons many of our children disappear without a trace. Many children are abduc ted and sold for body parts throughout the United States, Central America, South America and Europe. The Internet has become one of the greatest sources of business and the organized underground business is one of the most successful businesses anywhere in the world.Can you imagine having the need of life and searching the Internet and finding a broker who can find you the organ of your choice? Here in the U. S. A. , in Mexico, El Salvador, Costa Rica, anywhere in Central, North and South America, anywhere for a price you can pay for and get the organ of your choice. If you don't believe it, search the net right here right now in Orange County, New York or anyplace in the world. Many missing children are abducted and sold for these body parts. This is a multi-million dollar a year business. Be careful when your child is talking to a friendly little girl in a chat room.The Internet is worldwide and sometimes deceptive. The chat room your child uses could be somewhere in Mexico or New York, India, The Middle east or Korea. Your child could be talking to anyone, anywhere with the touch of a button, so close. SUGGESTIONS TO PREVENT CHILDREN FROM GOING MISSING. * Do not leave children unsupervised in public places. Children especially in early ages between 4 to 9 years old cannot handle themselves very well. They need someone to rely on. So, never leave your children unsupervised especially in public places because they don’t know what to do and to whom they should rely on. Teach children to be suspicious of strangers and not be lured by them. It is a good technique that every parent should implement to their children, teach your children to be suspicious of strangers and not to be lured by them. We cannot simply believe in strangers that we meet. Maybe they are bad people that intend to kidnap your children. * Teach children how to respond in dangerous situations. Next, parents should teach their children to respond in dangerous situation. So, when it comes to any dangerous situations they will be able to react and find the solution. * Make sure children keep a note with emergency contact numbers.Furthermore, good parents are them who always make sure that their children memorize and keep a note with emergency contact number especially the official contact number of police. So, when it comes to the dangerous situation, your children will be able to call for help. * Society should be alert to, and help, children seen to be wandering around alone. Here, the highlight will be the society. We should never rely on parents only. Society also has to play their role in preventing children from going missing. When we see any children wandering around alone, we need to take action by helping them to find their home.CONCLUSION All in all, we can conclude that missing children is not a case that we should not pay attention. This issue has been discussed around the year for years and still happen in many countries. We need to aware that children a re the asset of the country, they are precious and we need keep them safe from any harm. Ultimately, each of us including parents, teachers and society has to play an important role to curb children missing. We need to cooperate together to find solutions of this issue. Together we can create a better life and place for our children.

Saturday, September 28, 2019

Mans Impact on the Everglades Essay

Man has never been content to leave the natural preserved in the state in which it was discovered. Likewise, the Everglades ecosystem has been bombarded by this pressure as man seeks to â€Å"redesign† the environment to suit the needs of the ever encroaching human population. This has brought about profound changes in this system and the way it operates. Collectors were among the first to extract a toll on this area because of its exotic indigenous creatures. Species which now face extinction include: several varieties of unusual Orchids and ferns, Florida tree snails, and the indigo snake. But the impact of collectors is not merely limited to the disappearance of species. For example, collectors burned Hardwood Hammocks to facilitate collecting tree snails. The high demand for feathers as the plumes of ladies’ hats also endangered the Snowy Egret at one time. Another source of destruction includes off road vehicles such as air boats and swamp buggies used to negotiate the difficult terrain. These vehicles create ever widening soil ruts because the tracks are slippery and subsequent vehicles avoid them. Because hydroperiod plays a powerful role in habitat determination, even a slight change in water depth can profoundly effect the composition of the ecosystem. Channels interrupting sheet flow provide an alternate route for the water. Vegetation is uprooted and lost, as a result, enhancing the likelihood of invasion by opportunistic species such as cattails. In some areas, off road vehicles have resulted in the damage of tree islands. Melaleuca, an Australian tree, poses a different kind of the threat: that of introduced species. The trees overtake Sawgrass marshes and Cypress swamps in areas reduced by drainage. Their tolerance of fire further enhances their spread. Eventually, dense forests form which exclude the natural vegetation and dry up the environment. Brazilian pepper began its stay in the Florida area as an ornamental. Like the Melaleuca, it forms a closed forest, destroying feeding areas of many water birds. Brazilian pepper primarily overtakes coastal lowlands and pinelands. Over 200 plant species have been introduced â€Å"successfully† into the Everglades environment. Plants are not the only successful invaders. The Blue Tilapia, an animal intruder, grows too large to be eaten by the wading birds, while creating a devastating effect on the aquatic plant life. By far the most serious effect of man on the environment remains the alterations of water flow patterns for agricultural and metropolitan purposes. The direct channeling of fresh water from Lake Okeechobee to the coast alters sheet flow, causing soil fires and saltwater backflow. Faced by these ever worsening scenarios, the Central and Southern Florida Project for Flood Control and Other Purposes (C&SF) took over the project in 1948. First, the C&SF built a perimeter to prevent encroachment of the sheet flow on developing metropolitan areas. Second, agriculture reclaimed the Okeechobee by draining the Lake swamp and rerouting the water to the Water Conservation fertile land directly south of Areas to the south. Total, Water Conservation Areas, which regulate water flow toprevent flood and drought, now represent 32 % of the original Everglades ecosystem. Everglades National Park, established in 1947, only contains 25% of the historic freshwater system. Other problems facing this ecosystem include the loss of wild life species diversity. Like the Snowy Egret, alligators, hunted for their hides, almost reached extinction until their sale was prohibited by law. Since that time, populations rebounded, however, bird populations still face intense reducing pressures. Wading birds follow the drying front during the drydown as the water flow concentrates prey at its border. Wading birds, therefore, only need make minor adjustments to determine the position of food daily. Consequently, larger rookeries and breeding seasons coordinate with the water flow so the drydown approaches the nest, allowing the parents to fly less distance every successive day. The intrusion of the Water Conservation Areas though places this pattern in serious jeopardy. The levee system interrupts the drydown as conditions on one side may not correlate with conditions on the other. For example, birds following a drydown front may reach a levee only to discover that the across the embankment, the water is too deep or the drydown in that area may have already occurred. The birds then must search other areas for other prey concentrations which may not exist, seriously impairing successful reproduction. Use of the conservation areas for flood control and unnatural releasing of water also adversely effects these communities. Often this reverses the drydown fronts. Changes in the dry/wet season cycle, likewise, affect alligator reproduction, interrupting courtship and often drowning their eggs. Alteration of alligator nesting patterns adversely affects the wading bird population because their holes customarily congregate prey during the low water season. Although, the canal construction provides alligators a substituted habitat, these canals are sufficiently deeper and steeper than traditional gator nesting holes. Consequently, wading birds can not effectively harvest prey. Nutrient rich agricultural water released from the land reclaimed below Lake Okeechobee has increased the proliferation of cattails. Cattail encroached areas do not encourage food supplies for wading birds, essentially removing this wetland area from use. However, the South Florida Water Management District has begun an experimental program using peat soil beds to remove this phosphorus from the water supply entering the Everglades region. Methylmercury, a highly toxic form of mercury, recently has been found in regional fauna in unusually high levels. The food web concentrates this chemical in the system’s top predators, causing mutations, abnormal growth and neurological disorders. Although, agriculture was originally blamed for this elevation, historical evidence provides a more accepted theory. According to this hypothesis, soil formations naturally trap small amounts of mercury. Recent drainage and oxidation of the soil caused its release. Sugarcane burning, and incineration of other products including fossil fuel have also received blame for this phenomenon. Interestingly though, an inverse relationship appears to exist between phosphorous and mercury levels. The diversion of freshwater directly to the ocean from Lake Okeechobee also adversely affects Florida Bay. The lack of water cycling through the bay caused a severe increase in hypersalinity, killing seagrass beds, mangroves, fish, sponges, and birds. The hypersalinity level approximately doubles that of sea water. However, projects undertaken to remedy this situation appear to at least initially effective. Other reasons for this salinity increase include the lack of major storm systems recently in this area. Accumulation of sediments and shoaling prevent the bay from flushing out naturally, causing stagnation. Also the construction of Highway 1 and the Overseas Railroad may have contributed to the problem, hampering further the circulation of water. Any attempt by man to undo the damage perpetrated must come from a comprehensive understanding of the function and operation of the original ecosystem in order to prevent further â€Å"well intentioned† catastrophes. Wading birds, because of their high position on the food chain, serve as trustworthy indicators of change on this fragile environment. However, the main problem to be address is not one of abuse of the Everglades in particular, but mankind’s underlying philosophy concerning our environment. We must realize that our survival remains closely linked with that of our surroundings. Any threat to our biosphere will eventually cycle through and return to affect us. The restoration of the Everglades is an ongoing effort to remedy damage inflicted on the environment of southern Florida during the 20th century. It is the most expensive and comprehensive environmental repair attempt in history. [1][2] The degradation of the Everglades became an issue in the United States in the early 1970s after a proposal to construct a jetport in the Big Cypress Swamp. Studies indicated the airport would have destroyed the ecosystem in South Florida and Everglades National Park. [3] After decades of destructive practices, both state and federal agencies are looking for ways to balance the needs of the natural environment in South Florida with urban and agricultural centers that have recently and rapidly grown in and near the Everglades. In response to floods caused by hurricanes in 1947, the Central and Southern Florida Flood Control Project (C&SF) was established to construct flood control devices in the Everglades. The C&SF built 1,400 miles (2,300 km) of canals and levees between the 1950s and 1971 throughout South Florida. Their last venture was the C-38 canal, which straightened the Kissimmee River and caused catastrophic damage to animal habitats, adversely affecting water quality in the region. The canal became the first C&SF project to be reverted when the 22-mile (35 km) canal began to be backfilled, or refilled with the material excavated from it, in the 1980s. The restoration of the Kissimmee River is projected to continue until 2011. When high levels of phosphorus and mercury were discovered in the waterways in 1986, water quality became a focus for water management agencies. Costly and lengthy court battles were waged between various government entities to determine who was responsible for monitoring and enforcing water quality standards. Governor Lawton Chiles proposed a bill that determined which agencies would have that responsibility, and set deadlines for pollutant levels to decrease in water. Initially the bill was criticized by conservation groups for not being strict enough on polluters, but the Everglades Forever Act was passed in 1994. Since then, the South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) and the U. S. Army Corps of Engineers have surpassed expectations for achieving lower phosphorus levels. A commission appointed by Governor Chiles published a report in 1995 stating that South Florida was unable to sustain its growth, and the deterioration of the environment was negatively affecting daily life for residents in South Florida. The environmental decline was predicted to harm tourism and commercial interests if no actions were taken to halt current trends. Results of an eight-year study that evaluated the C&SF were submitted to the United States Congress in 1999. The report warned that if no action was taken the region would rapidly deteriorate. A strategy called the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan (CERP) was enacted to restore portions of the Everglades, Lake Okeechobee, the Caloosahatchee River, and Florida Bay to undo the damage of the past 50 years. It would take 30 years and cost $7. 8 billion to complete. Though the plan was passed into law in 2000, it has been compromised by politics and funding problems.

Friday, September 27, 2019

Childhood Obesity Term Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Childhood Obesity - Term Paper Example Obesity prevalence is brought by poor nutritional eating habits exposing the parents of the affected children to unavoidable consequences resulting to either social stigmatization or medical related problems (Preedy &Watson, 2012). The prevalence of obesity and related condition is said to have risen rapidly amongst the children aged between 5 and 16. Despite this rate, treatment and prevention have always remained vital steps to curtail this menace (Ferry, 2011). Stake of the community health in controlling prevalence of obesity The main objective of the community health is to explore adequate mechanism of reducing obesity in children and adolescence. A number of considerations have been put in place by the health workers to ensure that the fight against such conditions is put under control. Some of the values that need to be embraced are community involvement and empowerment. All the members of the society should be sensitized about the articulate nature of obesity amongst the chil dren. Therefore, communities should be empowered to have a response to the childhood obesity while emphasizing on the environmental risks, which exploits the health of a child. Ironically, most of the food advertisements are usually directed towards the perspective of the children. Parents and the society as a whole should participate in an active role of educating children about the prospects of positive food advertisements. ... For adequate provision of comprehensive effort to curtail the prevalence of obesity, the collaborative effort must involve partisans at all levels of the society, community, organizational, interpersonal and individual. Causes of obesity In America, nearly two out of five children are either of excessive weight or are obese. There are several reasons as to the prevalent increase of obesity even though most of them can actually be controlled through slight adjustments in lifestyle changes. However, among the dominant causes of obesity includes poor nutrition. Insufficient nutrition accustomed by many Americans has been found to contain too much calories and less nutrition responsible for the development of body structures. Moreover, inadequate exercise is also considered as a major contribution of the body towards obesity. Absence of actual balance of the amount of calories that are believed to stagnate in the body after consumption may lead to radical gain in body weight. Therefore, a recommendable exercise of approximately 20 minutes daily is considered adequate to enhance distribution of fatty acids within the body (Smith, 1999). Another contributing factor is health illiteracy. Inadequate education both at the community level and the institutional levels concerning the measures of controlling obesity has never been up to date. For instance, some mothers may not be actually aware that, they are capable of eradicating obesity. In addition, some suffer from inability of translating the nutritional components of food substances. It is, however, considered of no use to consume a definite amount of food if there is no clear

Thursday, September 26, 2019

HURRICANES IN THE UNITED STATES AND OTHER GEOGRAPHICAL AREAS Research Paper

HURRICANES IN THE UNITED STATES AND OTHER GEOGRAPHICAL AREAS - Research Paper Example Hurricanes are one of the most devastating natural phenomena known to man. They are chactacterised by strong winds, storm surges, and heavy rainfalls, all of which when combined, leads to extensive loss of human life, destruction of property and ecosystems and the alteration of landscapes. Definition of hurricanes and an exploration of their formation process A hurricane is a spiralling and powerful form of a tropical cyclone, which originates from warm sea surface and then moves towards the mainland. In order for hurricanes to be formed, the sea water must have surface warmth of more than 27 degrees. This temperature level results in the release of moisture and heat into the atmosphere. As the sea moisture rises it condenses to form storm clouds. During condensation, heat (latent heat of condensation) is released into the atmosphere. It is this heat which propels the hurricane. The latent heat makes the atmospheric air warm thereby causing the air to rise further. The void left by the risen air becomes occupied by additional moist air from the surface of the ocean in a continuous, cyclical pattern. This results in the formation of a wind pattern which is circular in nature. This is what is known as a hurricane. Provided that a hurricane remains above a sea surface of 27 degrees and higher, it keeps on pulling moisture from the sea, there by becoming larger in size and in momentum. Propelled by the latent heat and wind patterns in the sea, the hurricane may then head towards land where it finally loses its momentum.

A Farewell to Arms Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words - 1

A Farewell to Arms - Essay Example The researcher states that the novel’s plot wholly conforms to the standard pattern of tragedy wherein the start, development, and the conclusion of the plot-structure is marked by the well-known stages of exposition, complication, climax, crisis, anticlimax, and denouement. The 41 chapters of the novel show the rising and falling action running through the various stages; beginning with the introduction and exposition of the action centering on Frederic. It then leads to complication of the action by the new factor of love, which pulls the hero in the direction opposite to that of the war. The rising action reaches a climax in the wounding of the hero in the war front, then the action taking a downward journey leading to the crisis. The turning point in the fortune of the hero is in his desertion of war in the Caporetto retreat, then reaching the anticlimax of the falling action in the hero’s migration along with Catherine from Italy to Switzerland. It ends with the ca tastrophe or denouement in the death of Catherine leaving the hero alone and bitter. Thus, the novel’s patterning is modeled on the plot structure of a classic tragedy. The exposition is in the introduction where we are introduced to the novel’s setting, war-torn Italy, the major characters, their conflicts and the dramatic tensions working against the characters. He builds up suspense through the arousal of the readers’ expectations followed by their ironic reversals.... Frederic’s duty as a soldier and his love for Catherine pull him in separate directions. The activating incident if Frederic’s wounding which makes it possible for Catherine to nurse him and for the couple to fall in love. The rising action is marked by numerous coquettish games that Frederic and Catherine had. These fetish actions foreshadow their affection for one other. This is further demonstrated in their final days together, prior to Frederic’s departure to the front zero by the demands of love in competition with his life beyond their relationship. The rising action is also characterized by complications in the form Frederic’s growing affection for Catherine, his injury and her graveness. By the time Frederic is about to go back to the front, they realize that Catherine is three months pregnant (Hemmingway 149). Frederic sees a life he could have with Catherine as they live in Milan. Catherine’s pregnancy and the call to report to the front, however, divide Frederic’s loyalties, trapping him between two desires. The climax of the novel is the disastrous retreat at Caporetto and Frederic’s near-execution by the carabinieri, which utterly changes his attitude toward the war (Hemmingway 152). Frederic’s action during the Caporetto retreat becomes the turning point of the conflict between war and love. In shooting the Italian sergeant for desertion but then deserting the war himself, Frederic’s disillusionment with battlefield bravery is complete. He commits himself to his love for Catherine. The falling action comes is when Frederic decides to flee and abandon the army marking his farewell to arms. Frederic and Catherine idyllic time together in Stresa, an Italian town, may seem an odd setting for a story’s falling action. Nevertheless, as

Wednesday, September 25, 2019

Campaign post-morterm analysis Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Campaign post-morterm analysis - Research Paper Example The Obama campaign had faced different rhetorical challenges at the outset: the negative turnout in 2010 which shifted the confidence of the voters from the Democrats to the Republicans; the eventual developments in the economy and national security; less control over rhetorical strategy in presidential debates and forums; and time constraints and fewer communication alternatives. Surfacing The primary purpose of surfacing is to help determine the focus of the campaign (Smith 189). Barack Obama establishes the rhetorical theme for the campaign. Running for his second term, as he travels around the country, he begins to understand the concerns of the people, begins to relate himself to those concerns, and begins to develop solutions to issues that appear to be in agreement with popular opinion. The mass media reiterate Obama’s statements and hence help transform the issues and opinions into state or national concerns. Barack Obama officially declared his re-election campaign on the 4th of April 2011 (EM Publications (b) 18). The very first communication activity they engaged in was a promotional video depicting Obama supporters mobilizing for the re-election campaign. They used Facebook and Twitter to reach a larger target audience. Even the official announcement of his re-election plan was carried out through an online video that can be viewed on his campaign website. The campaign started with the slogan ‘It Begins with Us’ (EM Publications (b) 18). Another communication strategy of the Obama campaign for 2012 was the decision to base the campaign in Chicago, where recent former U.S. presidents also based their re-election campaigns. On the 30th of April 2012, the campaign launched a new slogan: ‘Forward’ (EM Publications (b) 18). Basically, Obama had a massive campaign effort. Obama applied his 2008 campaign communications to reinforce his goals for 2012. The campaign had created comprehensive records of its supporters and had an accurate knowledge of the people it can recruit to take part in demonstrations, communicate with legal representatives, and attract others to support Obama programs. The exigencies of the campaign, embedded in their slogan ‘Forward’, were to help improve employment opportunities, health care, education, and energy autonomy of the country. The target audience of the campaign was the masses or the working class, which was also reflected in the refusal to base the campaign in Washington, DC. The main factor that constrained the campaign’s choices was the negative turnout of the 2010 election. The voters held President Obama responsible for the economic downturn, rising unemployment, poor health care system, and other issues that should be prioritized. At the time, American voters had more confidence in Republicans than Democrats on major concerns about the U.S. economy. Within the perspective of narrative analysis, the communication choices of the Obama campaign for 2012 worked persuasively. The narrative framework had demonstrated the effectiveness of evaluating and discussing changes in the political and historical situation of America. The Obama campaign concentrated its rhetorical force mainly on policy appeals. The rhetorical strategy at this stage was governed by policy discourse, particularly as regards the economy. The strength of this rhetorical strategy, based on narrative analysis, rests in its outcome, stability, and importance, and the degree to which it is rooted in the interest

Tuesday, September 24, 2019

Religion Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words - 11

Religion - Essay Example In numerous occurrences, Jesus usually started his sermons by giving statements that equated the kingdom of God to various aspects. This use of metaphors enabled Jesus to link unknown things to those that were known and thus increased the understanding the people had of the known. Jesus employed the aspect of reversal in several parables that involved the characters, which were considered as most desirable behaving in a manner that was in contradiction to what the God’s kingdom required. For instance, when Jesus was recounting the story of the Pharisees, Jesus created a reversal of how his disciples understood the Kingdom of God through demonstrating that it did not value splendor, instead, it valued sincerity. The main attributes of the Christianity are dependent on the four ancient biographies of the life of Jesus and if they provide an accurate account of His life, then the faith they have in Jesus is completely ratified and all the opposing perceptions become illogical. If Jesus taught the aspects that were the gospels stated, then believing in Him is the only means of attaining unending salvation while any other ways would result in an everlasting parting from

Monday, September 23, 2019

Success of Russian Multinational Corporations Essay

Success of Russian Multinational Corporations - Essay Example The organisation of the Soviet Union explains why the Russian MNCs adopted the export strategy before the establishment of subsidiaries. The other reason for Russian MNCs choice of internalisation strategy was seeking markets for their products and a gaining a good understanding of the market before committing more resources in the form of purchase of subsidiaries. Russian MNCs had to have a feel of the market in terms of profitability and market conditions through export of products, the success in these goals allowed for further investment in terms of purchase of assets and set up of subsidiaries. The need to reveal shareholder structure and ensure transparency in operations affected the ability of Russian MNCs to set up new subsidiaries early in the internalisation strategy owing to the effects of â€Å"cowboy capitalism† (Filippov, 7). However, a better understanding of the market after exports and success in the market allowed the MNCs to purchase subsidiaries. The other reason for the choice of the above-mentioned internalisation strategy was the need to exploit efficiency through seeking channels for economies of scale in production. Producing locally for a large market and supplying through exports was the initial manner in which the Russian MNCs achieved this goal. Understanding the global market and gaining access to resources in the host countries allowing for cheaper production resulted in the acquisition of assets and the subsequent set up of subsidiaries in these markets.

Sunday, September 22, 2019

Mcdonalds Healthier Happy Meals Essay Example for Free

Mcdonalds Healthier Happy Meals Essay In order to successfully make these changes McDonald’s hired a research group to conduct an extensive research and present them with a cost effective solution. The Research Questions The questions the company had to look into to resolve this issue was: * How can they make the meals for the children healthier while maintaining the convenience that fast food is known for? * How can they cut the calories from their existing meals? * How can they make healthy food desirable to children? * How can they keep these healthier options cost effective? * What would be the best marketing strategy to launch these healthier changes? The Hypothesis A hypothesis explores a supposition or proposed explanation made on the basis of limited evidence as a starting point for further investigation (Merriam-Webster, 2013). In the exploration to raise a question and find an answer, the company has to face the question: how can they make the meals for the children healthier while maintaining the convenience that fast food is known for? Through the years McDonald’s has added a couple new features to their menu like a wider selection in desserts, a value menu, and select new refreshing healthier choices to their fast food chain. But the question now is, how can they further cut the calories from these meals? Yes, McDonald’s has gained a fine respect in the fast food industry for upgrading to healthier choices, but now the kids menu may need some revamping on their own. If the regular menu can provide healthier choice selections like salads, less than 400 calories, and weight watcher approved items, what can they do about happy meals? A solution to providing a healthier selection is to offer a more beneficial meal that kids can enjoy. Apple bags, celery sticks, carrots, reduced milk, baked instead of fried items and healthier meat. Those are just a couple of suggestions to an issue that is easy to solve. The main purpose is to change the world one step at a time, and healthier living for is the new road to take. The Variables Local societies are becoming more health conscience and looking for healthier options when going out to eat. Even though McDonald’s did not follow the popular approach by luring people in through the use of famous celebrities, people felt that offering toys with their Happy Meals were unacceptable. The variables in a research scenario are considered to be independent (IV) and dependent variables (DV). In this research scenario the independent variables are the food and the marketing strategy, while the amount of calories and interest of the children are the dependent variables. Many children were attracted to McDonald’s Happy Meals for the toy they got with it and this is what their marketing strategy revolved around. In April 2012, The Time’s released the article â€Å"Why we’re eating fewer happy meals†. The article’s main focus was McDonald’s use of toys with their Happy Meals and the use of a clown who â€Å"is hell-bent on the creepy mission of luring children into McDonald’s, where they’ll be fattened up and primed for a lifetime of regular fast-food dining visits† (Tuttle, 2012, p. 1). Along with improving their Happy Meals, McDonald’s has also changed their marketing strategy. They still offer the toys but it is no longer their main focal point. Instead they now show Ronald McDonald playing around, participating in healthy activities and proclaiming that a healthier life style is a lot of fun.

Saturday, September 21, 2019

Applications of Group Technology

Applications of Group Technology 1.0 Introduction Nowadays, the global economic of the world is getting increase and improves. All of the countries, nations and citizens are developing in a fast growing trend. Now the manufacturing processes also have to improve to such a way that produce and manufacture a good quality product with lower costs. Therefore a term group technology has been introduced. Group technology actually refers to a kind of technique which classifies the manufacturing part (sometimes named as family part) according to the size, shape, process or length. Some companies may group in according to other criterion such as the product’s function as long as it makes the company’s works easier. Actually, this group technology really can help to reduce the production costs. This is because grouping the part together (group of the part can be known as family part) can help to save the transportation costs, time of production and all this consequently increase the productivity, therefore, group technology defi nitely will be very useful to many of us. Actually people start using group technology since the 1920s. People start using group technology in manufacturing process during that moment. We are also able to see the example of group technology in our daily life. For example, when we go to the library in our school, all the book will be classify according to the faculty and the title of the books. This method is not only makes the works of the library staff easier but also enables the students or lecturer to find the books that they need easily. During the past decades, people normally used group technology to reduce the cost of production in manufacturing process. However, now the situation has changed, group technology has now become an important strategy for most of the manufacturing processes. It is an important aspect to improve the productivity and cause the company to develop in a better way. 2.0 Method to develop family part In order to use the concept of group technology, the companies have to think of the way to classify the group. The first step will be classifying the part of the products (family parts) according to two different attributes which will be based on the geometric characteristics and production process characteristics. In geometric characteristics, the products will be classified according to the size, shape and length. However, if the products are being classified according to the operation process, then the machine used for production, method of processing and tools used to hold the products will all being take into consideration. This actually is a method to group the part based on their attributes. Therefore, the company should observe their own product and determine the best way to classify the products. For example, for those company that actually own a factory that produce screw or bolt nut, the best method of classification will be geometric classification since the products may varies in shape and size. However, if the company is actually a health care company, and they are producing body shampoo, toothpaste and mouthwash then the better way to classify the product will be the operation processing classification. This is because the products produced are actually all the same in term of size and shape, but they may be varying in flavor and smell. This is causing the operation process to be different from each other. Then, the next step will be determining the method to form part families. Normally, the company will use three different methods to form the part families. The methods include coding and classification, manual visual inspection and production flow analysis. Different product may have different method to form the part families. The company should find the best way to group them and obtain the best result. 2.1 Classification and coding Classification is a process to group all the related parts into a group and sometimes can be known as part families. Wherease, coding is means that the part families are being assigned with a symbol. People will be able to obtain the information of the particular product based on the code. Each character of the code also carries the information of the previous character. This is the most effective and accurate method to classify group technology among these three methods. Nowadays, there are almost more than 100 types of classification and coding are available in the world. Besides, the coding system may vary from one company to another company. Many company had hire some experts to improve the coding system but there is no any universal acceptance until now. Some of the people may think that coding is just a simple task and can be easily done. However, it is actually a very difficult complex problem. Many time and energy have to be spent in order to find the best coding system that suitable for the company. As stated above, there are about 100 kind of coding system available in the world. However, all of the classification and the coding systems are actually can be grouped into three different kind. That will be Hierarchical (monocode), Attribute (polycode) and Hybrid (mixed code). Hierarchical (monocode) Hierarchical (monocode) is actually a coding system which the each character being used will need to depend on the meaning and carry along the information of the previous character. This kind of system also will show a tree structure pattern. The benefit of using this coding system will be the coding system is seem to be more apparent and all the information will be able to obtained based on the code itself. Hierarchical (monocode) is very useful in many ways especially when the products are differing in shape, size or other geometric characteristics. Forming a good hierarchical system can be very difficult. However, there are some hints for those companies who wish to form hierarchical system. When forming the codes, the company should ask themselves some questions. The answers collected from the choices will enable them to form an effective coding system. The benefits of this kind of coding system will be enables us to obtain many information within a single few digits code. Furthermore, this kind system makes some part of the part can bring along some useful abstracting information to the company. However, the disadvantage will be it is quite impossible to produce a perfect hierarchical system. The other disadvantage will be the existence of sub group can lead to many different sub-sub group, this cause some position having blank code. The figure above is an example of hierarchical (monocode) system and we can see that there is some imperfection in this system due to there is some empty coding exists. There some researches being done in order to improve and increase the efficiency of this hierarchical system.     Ã‚   Attribute (Polycode) The attribute code system sometimes can be known as polycode and chain code system. This code is different with the monocode in term of their digits. In this polycode system, the digits within the code are all carrying different information. Each digit represents each different attribute of the part. The advantage of this attribute (polycode) system will be very easily understood. This is due to each character is independent from one another. The company can know the details exactly after they saw the code. Unlike hierarchical code, the character has to depend on the previous information. Therefore, only the users who are familiar with the process can read the exact details. But this kind of coding system also did show a very significant disadvantage. This will be the code formed will be very long and large. The figure below will be an example of attribute code system. From this table, we can clearly see that each character actually represent different attitude of the products. For example, if we obtain a product with a code of ‘32123’ that it will represent that this product actually has the characteristics of, boxlike in external shape, center hole in internal shape, do not have any number of hole, the type of hole will be cross and the gear teeth is actually an external spur. Digit Class of feature Possible value of digits 1 2 3 4 1 External shape Cylindrical without deviation Cylindrical with deviation Boxlike †¦ 2 Internal shape None Center hole Brind center hole †¦ 3 Number of holes 0 1-2 3-5 †¦ 4 Type of holes Axial Cross Axial cross †¦ 5 Gear teeth Worm Internal spur External spur †¦ †¦ .. †¦ †¦ †¦ †¦ Hybrid (mixed code) The final category of coding system will be the hybrid (mixed code). This is a kind of code system which most of the company prefer. This system combines the advantage from the Hierarchical (monocode) and Attribute (polycode) system. People may define this is an advanced system code. The example of this code will be ‘A12131B120’. The first alphabet ‘A’ is actually represents the type of part such as gear or screw. The next 5 digit used to represent the attribute of the part. Then the ‘B’ in the code above represents another subgroup such as the material or design. The following digit will be explaining the attitude of the subgroup stated. This clearly shows that this system did rely on the precious digit but also have some digit are independent which are able to show the attribute by itself. Actually there are also some organizations and company use a special kind of hybrid (mixed code) system. They are known as DCLASS or MICLASS code and contain up to 8-12 digits in a particular code. However, there is only some specific organizations such as (The Netherlands Organization for Applied Scientific Research) are using this special kind of hybrid (mixed) code system. Manual visual inspection Manual visual inspection will be one of the methods used to classify part families. Actually, this method is not accurate enough compared to coding and production flow analysis. This method is actually classifying the products based on the physical appearance. Sometimes, there will be some companies or organizations are classifying the products only based on the photograph and arrange them based on their feature. Therefore, we can conclude that this is one of the most inaccurate methods of grouping part families. However, there are actually some organizations are suitable to use this kind of coding system for their group technology. There is one company in United State successfully save their company from being backrub by using this manual visual inspection to classify their group technology. Actually, all of the method will be effective as long as it is suitable for the production of the company. Production flow analysis The other method to determine the part families will be the production flow analysis. This kind of classification system will mainly focus on the production process. The products that need to be manufactured by the same working process will be classified as a part families and then being processed by using a single kind of machines. The machines that used to manufacture part families are known as cells. Cellular manufacturing is referring to the manufacturing process when the part families are being manufacture by cell machine. The advantage will be this production flow analysis system need less effort compared to coding and classification system. When classifying products by using this system, we need to form a matrix. This matrix actually did bring along some special meaning. This actually is a machine-component chart and it is also a M * N matrix where M = number of machines and N = number of parts. The 2 figures below show the production flow analysis. The grouping will be based on the operation process and find the optimum solution for it. For example, there is a duplicate D in production flow analysis. This is because machine D need to produce too many parts. If only single machine to be used, group 1 and group 2 have to be combined but they have too many dissimilar routings, 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 A 1 1 B 1 1 1 C 1 1 1 1 1 1 D 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 E 1 1 F 1 1 1 1 G 1 1 1 1 1 H 1 1 1 1 I 1 1 1 1 1 J 1 1 K 1 1 Figure above is the component machine chart 2 11 1 10 16 18 12 6 3 4 7 8 9 14 15 19 5 13 17 H 1 1 1 1 D 1 1 1 1 1 (Group1) F 1 1 1 1 A 1 1 B 1 1 1 E 1 1 D (Group 2) 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 C 1 1 1 1 1 1 I 1 1 1 1 1 G 1 1 1 1 1 J (Group 3) 1 1 K 1 1 Figure above is the production flow analysis 3.0 Flow Chart in forming group technology Group Technology Advantages and disadvantages of group technology Group technology will play an important role in the future production plants although now it still does not achieve the widespread application. Using group technology strategy is definitely beneficial to all of us. This strategy is not only beneficial to the company but also beneficial to the citizen or users. The advantages of group technology toward the manufacturing process will be the production process can be improved. For example, the part control can become tighter, the physical layout of the machine group can be improved and the ordering tied toward the production also can be improved when group technology is being used. The other advantage will be a more systematic design and redesign can be produced. This will consequently lead to reducing on the planning time of the process and the setup time. The other advantage toward the manufacturing process will be the purchasing cost of the material can be reduced due to the materials are purchase in a very large quantity. This can also improve the accuracy of cost estimation of a certain companies or organizations. All these will definitely bring to an improvement toward the company and causes company or organizations to develop faster. The improvement also can be clear seen on the product itself when group technology is being used. We can clearly see the quality of the products being improved. This is because the number of completely new design can be reduced and this causes the workers more familiar with the part. This leads to a production of better quality products. The advantage that brings to the customer or users is the cost of the product is reduced when group technology being introduced. This is because the transportation fee to tr

Friday, September 20, 2019

Hardships Of Southern Sharecroppers :: essays research papers

For many people in the 1930’s living conditions were not as adequate as they needed to be. The stock market had just crashed in 1928, and the US was in the midst of the Great Depression. Many people suffered from lack of money, and many others suffered from lack of food. One group of people who suffered greatly during this time period were the southern share croppers. Factors that caused the substandard living conditions of the southern share croppers in the 1930’s include lack of education, poor health care, and inadequate living facilities. The first factor that caused the substandard living conditions of the southern share croppers was their lack of education. There were several reasons the share croppers didn’t get the education they needed. One main reason was because many children didn’t go to school. Harold Walker writes that Southern cotton states ranked lower in rate of attendance for each student enrolled than any of the other states in the natio n (4). A factor that contributed to this was their excessive mobility, which inhibited many children from going to school (Corder 27). It is common knowledge that any child who constantly moves around will not be able to attend school on a regular basis, and even if they go to a school when they get a chance they will be so far behind they would have a difficult time catching up. Another factor that impeded on a child’s attendance at school was the fact that they never went to school when there was cotton to be picked (Walker 8). This may not seem like a large task, but some times it could take weeks to pick all the cotton. These few weeks that a child spent picking cotton was valuable learning time, and missing it could put a child too far behind to catch up. Another reason share croppers didn’t get the education they needed was because many southern rural schools had short terms (Gentry 21). Because of this teachers would not be able to cover all of the material that they needed to cover, or they would have to rush through the material they did cover. A final reason the education of the southern cotton states was not as good as other states was because their teachers were not as good. This was reflected in the fact that the salaries of Southern teachers were not as high as the salaries of other teachers (Mckeon 98).

Thursday, September 19, 2019

The marketing mix is a marketing tool. It is a checklist, which focuses

The marketing mix is a marketing tool. It is a checklist, which focuses attention on the main marketing activities in which a firm needs to carry out UNIT 9 – MARKETING MIX The marketing mix is a marketing tool. It is a checklist, which focuses attention on the main marketing activities in which a firm needs to carry out its marketing strategy. It consists of the four Ps (product, price, promotion and place). Â · Product (including range of pack sizes, flavours and colours) Â · Price (pricing strategy and pricing method) Â · Promotion (branding, advertising, packaging and sales promotion) Â · Place (distribution channels and seeking shop distribution) Managers look at these areas and decide what marketing actions need to taken. For effective marketing each area needs to be considered. The actions taken must work with each other. A successful mix will achieve marketing objectives and customer satisfaction. The most important element of the mix is the product. Good marketing means developing products that fit the market. It needs to be designed to meet requirements of the target market, which is probably achieved by extensive market research. The design must keep pace with market changes. Once the product has been chosen, the other elements of the mix become clear: The price must be suited to the target market and to the image of the product The promotion must be through the media that the target market watch or read The place should be the ...

Wednesday, September 18, 2019

Theraputic Hypothermia Essay -- Health Medicine Medical Essays Researc

Theraputic Hypothermia Hypothermia, defined as a core body temperature less than 95  °F(35 °C) occurs when heat loss exceeds the body’s heat production. (Ruffolo p.47) Thermal stability in humans depends on the body’s ability to adapt to changes in internal and external temperatures. Heat is transferred throughout tissues and fat, and is released at a rate directly related to the temperature of the environment through radiation, conduction, convection, and evaporation.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚     Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Hypothermia is typically seen as a bad thing; however, various studies have been proving it to be very useful. Traumatic brain injury initiates several metabolic processes that can exacerbate the injury. There is evidence that hypothermia may limit some of these deleterious metabolic responses. In a randomized controlled trial researchers compared the effect of moderate hypothermia and normhypothermia in 82 patients with severe closed head injuries (score of 3 to 7 on the Glasgow Coma Scale) The patients assigned to hypothermia were cooled to 33 degrees C an average of 10 hours after injury, kept at 32 degrees to 33 degrees C for 24 hours, and then re-warmed. A specialist in physical medicine and rehabilitation who was unaware of the treatment assignments evaluated the patients 3, 6, and 12 months later with the use of the Glasgow Outcome Scale. The demographic characteristics, causes, and severity of injury were similar in the hypothermia group and the normothermia groups. At 12 months 62% of the patients in the hypothermia group and 38% in the normothermia had good outcomes (moderate, mild, or no disabilities). The researchers concluded that â€Å"Treatment with moderate hypothermia for 24hours in patients with severe traumatic brain injury and coma scores of 5 to 7 hastened neurological recovery and may have improved the outcome. (Marion et all)   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚     Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Two studies done (one in Australia and the other in Europe) showed the therapeutic value in survivors cardiac arrest. In the Australian study, which involved 77 patients who remained comatose after the restoration of spontaneous circulation, 49% of those treated with hypothermia were discharged home or into a rehabilitation facility compared to the 26% of those not treated with hypothermia. There were no significant differe... ...tion fluids, preparation solution, or baths can contribute to heat loss. Ruffolo Evaporation is the transfer of heat to the air from moist skin or mucous membranes. It occurs through wet skin, open body cavities and the respiratory tract. References (Works Cited) Ruffolo, Daria. www.rnweb.com. Vol. 65 No. 2. February 2002 Marion, DW et all. â€Å"Treatment of traumatic brain injury with moderate hypothermia†, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. Safar, Peter & Patrick Kochanek. â€Å"Therapeutic Hypothermia After Cardiac Arrest†. New England Journal of Medicine, February 21, 2002 p.612-613 Holzer, Michael. â€Å"Mild Therapeutic Hypothermia To Improve The Neurologic Outcome After Cardiac Arrest.† New England Journal of Medicine, February 21, 2002 p.549 Clifton, Guy et all. â€Å"Lack of Effect of Induction of Hypothermia After Acute Brain Injury† New England Journal of Medicine. February 22, 2002. p.556 Rose, Victoria. â€Å"Children Recover Faster Than Adults From Accidental Or Therapeutic Hypothermia†. www.docguide.com. July 23, 2001 Unknown Author, â€Å"Reducing Brain Temperature May Benefit At-Risk Newborns† http://www.pslgroup.com/dg/4E73E.htm, December 17, 1997

Tuesday, September 17, 2019

Herpes Simplex Virus

Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1 Infection at the Molecular Level Research Paper Virology 24 November 2008 Abstract Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) infection is widespread and causes significant disease in humans. The structure, epidemiology, pathogensis and immune response are examined in this review, as well as specific ways to reduce and eliminate pathology and related diseases. The virus naturally infects mucosal areas and begins the search for its target host cell. Upon binding to the host cell membrane via teams of glycoproteins, the virion is then phagocytosed.Soon the nucleus is seized and all regular host cell mechanisms are shut off. Replication of HSV-1 is specific encoding immediate early, early and late genes. Once the virus replication process is complete the virus exits epithelial cells near the site of infection through a process known as cell lysis. Sensory neurons are the specific target of HSV-1, where it can then travel to the trigeminal ganglia (TG) stoma via neur onal microtubular networks. Both innate and adaptive immune systems respond to the infection with various antibodies, interleukins and interferons.Once the virion reaches the nervous system, the immune responses are unable to detect it although they try to contain it as best they can. HSV-1 enters a latent stage, usually via latent associated transcripts, not causing pathogenesis but unable to fight off by means of the host immune system. Following a stressful situation or similarly UV activation, HSV-1 travels back down nerve fibers to re-infect cells near the original site of infection. This process is known to continue throughout the lifespan of the infected individual, normally without fatalities.When the host immune response is unable to contain the virus in the TG, several associated diseases such as encephalitis and keratits result. Genes involved with virus replication and host genes, to eliminate the virus, have been maneuvered to cause reverse effects and are currently use d as antivirals. Although no vaccine has been approved for use against HSV-1, various attempts have been made. This research paper defines the virus infection at a molecular level as well as demonstrates modifications of the virus genes to cause reverse effects and investigates just a few of the diseases connected with HSV-1.Introduction Herpes simplex viruses type 1 and 2 are well known members of the family Herpesviridae, subfamily Alphaherpesvirinae, which cause lifelong, latent infection in humans. Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) typically remains the cause of cold sores, gingivostomatitis, and skin lesions in the orofacial area, as well as many rare but fatal conditions (1). Herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) is primarily associated with genital area infection. Worldwide, approximately one third of people display clinical manifestations of HSV-1 infection (2).HSV-1 is neurotropic, infecting multiple cell types but establishing latency in the trigeminal ganglia (TG). HSV-1 reactivates, in response to certain stimuli such as emotional or physical stress or UV light, and is transported along nerve fibers to mucosal or cutaneous regions (1). Infected cells show signs of the nucleus changing shape and nucleolus displacement with a formation of multinucleated giant cells. Cells degenerate, lyse and vesicles of fluid containing the virus locate between the epidermis and dermal layer of the skin forming a lesion (2).Although HSV-1 infects a large percentage of the population, few actually show symptoms of disease. HSV Structure and Genome HSV-1 is an enveloped double stranded DNA (dsDNA) virus consisting of four elements. First, an outer envelope with glycoprotein spikes on its surface. Second, a tegument layer including several viral proteins important during HSV-1 infection. Third, an iscosahedral capsid surrounding the last compartment, the electron opaque core containing the dsDNA genome wrapped as a spool. The envelope is made up of 13 different viral g lycoproteins embedded in a lipid bilayer.The viral genome of 152 kb, encode the majority of the proteins of the mature virion. Covalently linked L (long) and S (short) components are broken down into unique long (Ul), flanked by ab and b’a’ repeated segments, and unique short (Us), flanked by ac and c’a’ repeated segments. Homologous recombination between terminal repeats results in four linear isomers at equimolar concentrations (see figure 1). All four isomers, including P (prototype), IL (inversion of the L component), IS (inversion of the S component) and ISL (inversion of both the S and the L component), encode 90 unique transcription genes essential for viral replication (3).HSV Replication Infection is first initialted by the attachment to the host cell glucosaminoglycans, usually heparin sulphate and chondroiton sulphate, with viral glycoprotein C (gC). This bond results in at least five glycoprtoeins, gB, gC, gD, gH and gL, binding to other cell surface receptors, such as Herpesvirus entry mediator or nectin 1? or ? (4). Fusion of the viral envelope follows, and the de-enveloped tegument capsid is transported to the nuclear pores via the microtubular network, where DNA is released into the nucleus.Nuclear pore complex accepts the viral DNA from the capsid, minimizing the diffusion of DNA to the cytoplasm, and the transfer is completed by nuclear pore proteins (5). The viral genome circularizes upon entering the nucleus, and transcription of the five immediate early genes (IE) is done by the host RNA polymerase II. Among the IE genes are ICP0, ICP4, ICP22, ICP27 and ICP47. Host transcription, RNA splicing and transport are inhibited during replication, known as host cell shut off. Early (E) viral genes encode enzymes in nucleotide metabolism and viral DNA replication and require the presence of IE genes.Viral E gene products, including viral DNA polymerase, single-stranded DNA-binding protein, origin binding protein and DNA helicase-primase, assemble on the parental viral DNA and start DNA synthesis in replication compartments. Three DNA replication origins bind by viral origin-binding protein, separate the DNA strands and initiate viral DNA synthesis. Expression of the late (L) genes begins and produces structural components of the virion. Capsid assembly occurs in the cytoplasm and the associated proteins are then transported to the nucleus.Progeny DNA concatamers are cleaved into monomers and are inserted into the capsid. Cleavage and packing of HSV-1 genome requires two cis-acting elements, pac1 and pac2. Next the nucleocapsid matures and egress by passing through the Golgi apparatus with the tegument layer and the virion envelope. (3) HSV Latency After infection of the mucosa or epithelial abrasion, HSV-1 enters sensory neurons near the site of infection and the tegument and nucleocapsid travel by retrograde axonal transport to cell neuronal soma releasing viral DNA and VP16, when the virus may en ter lytic replication or the latent state.Lytic replication results in neuronal cell death as described above. (2,3) During latency the genome circularizes and enters a heavily chromatinated state where no infectious virus is produced and the majority of viral gene expression is silenced. Latency associated transcripts (LAT), mRNA genes, are the only transcripts found in latent neurons (6). Expression of LATs is not absolutely required for maintenance of latency. Reactivation triggers the virus to be transported in the opposite direction, antrograde, and re-infection occurs at the initial site of infection. HSV and the Immune SystemThe immune response to HSV-1 includes both innate and adaptive immune responses. Innate immunity is the first line of defense including natural killer (NK) cells, macrophages, dendritic cells, and various cytokines and complement proteins. Initial response involves secreted proteins, such as defensins and complement proteins. Complement proteins bind HSV antigens resulting in the cleavage of complement molecules. This, followed by the formation of the membrane attack complex, destroys the virus. HSV gC blocks the complement cascade, counteracting the effects of complement.The adaptive immune response is triggered with B cell memory enhanced in response to the virus. An antiviral state is induced by infected epithelial cells and resident interferon producing cells (IPCs), secreting interferon ? and ? , priming the surrounding cells for apoptosis. Tumor necrosis factors ? (TNF-? ) is also produced by IPCs and acts as an autocrine signal stimulating differentiation of ICPs to dendritic cells. They can travel to the lymph nodes to stimulate CD4+ T cells to produce IFN-? and interleukin 10 (IL-10). After infection and replication, HSV-1 destroys infected cells and travels to sensory neurons.Polymorphonuclear leukocytes, macrophages, NK and TCR+ T cells infiltrate the TG, control the infection and prevent the spread of the virus to rear by cells, including the brain. The adaptive immune response is driven by the innate immune response. Antigen presenting cells migrate from the site of infection to the regional lymph node to present CD4+ and CD8+ T cells and B cells. Deficient complement cascades leads to less vigorous memory response to HSV-1. Antibodies against gD and the gH-gL complex are found to protect against HSV-1 and are observed as cross reactive to other strains of HSV.Macrophages engulf viral proteins and cell particles from lysed cells and also secrete cytokines favoring the T helper (Th) cell CD4+ response. CD8+ cytoxic T lymphocytes (CTL) are produced and they react with epitopes displayed on infected cells, which are then targeted for apoptosis. See figure 2. The IE protein ICP 27 contains potent CTL epitopes. The efficacy of gB to induce a CTL response suggests gB is the immunodominant antigen of HSV-1. (2) Beneficial Modifications of Genes Associated with Herpes Simplex Virus type 1 and Relative As sociated DiseasesOccasionally the immune system is unable to prevent HSV-1 from spreading to surrounding structures such as the eye. Ocular HSV-1 infection is termed herpetic keratitis, tissue destruction of the eye, and is currently treated with trifluridine or valacyclovir to inhibit HSV-1 DNA polymerase and terminate synthesis of the sugar backbone of viral DNA. The current antiviral compounds require phosphorylation by the infected cell, meaning the antiviral activity cannot take place until the infection has progressed to the point where specific viral thymidine kinase is synthesized.A new idea involves helicase-primase inhibitors acting to prevent the unwinding of the double-stranded DNA and the initiation of the new strand synthesis necessary for viral production. Kleymann et al. found a compound, BAY 57-1293, more potent and more effective than valacyclovir and unassociated with systemic toxicity to initiate the described mechanism. (7) A similar study explored the lesion as sociated with the tissue destruction of the cornea, specifically angiogenesis of stromal keratits (SK).The fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF-2), a molecule known to stimulate cell growth to contribute to wound healing, was targeted to observe the antiviral activity via its effect on HSV-1 cell entry. FGF-2 inhibits HSV-1 from binding to heparin sulfate, thus hindering entrance into the host cell. Results of this study suggest severity and clinical SK could be significantly diminished by daily treatment of lesions with FGF-2 protein, due to accelerated epithelial wound healing. (8) Similarly, HSV-1 can surpass the immune response and travel to the brain. HSV-1 encephalitis is the most devastating consequence of HSV and the most ommon cause of fetal encephalitis. Early growth response 1 (Erg-1) is a zinc finger transcription factor expressed in neural tissue, and is induced during stress. It regulates growth, apoptosis, angiogenesis and development. Erg-1 is known to regulate several vi ral genes, including LATs, and is inducible by viral proteins. Erg-1 increases viral replication in infected cells and mortality in infected mice. Knockout of Erg-1 expression was shown to reduce the mortality by decreasing the viral loads to tissues in a study conducted by Shis-Heng Chen et al. 9) It has been demonstrated HSV-1 can induce increased activity of central norepinephrine or serotonin neurons, by activating the cell bodies located in the brain stem, following encephalitis. Increased brain stem activity of these neurotransmitters can impair glucocorticoids (GC) negative feedback receptors, activating cytokines IL-1 and TNF? , reducing the binding capacity of said GC receptors. Impaired control of the GC negative feedback regulation upon the hypothalamo-pituitary adrenal axis has been suggested as an important aspect in major depression. (10)Thrombin is a result of the generation of sequential proteolytic enzymes activating circular precursor enzymes and cofactors for bloo d clotting. HSV-1, HSV-2 and cytomegalovirus have been shown to avoid cellular control of coagulation initiation through the constitutive expression of procoagulant phospholipids and tissue factor. This allows the unregulated generation of thrombin because tissue factor can bind ciruculating factor VIIa, forming a cofactor-enzyme complex directly on the virus. ‘Tenase’ activity has been credited to HSV-1 encoded gC, which accelerates the FVIIa-dependent activation of FX.FXa associates with its cofactor V to convert prothrombin to thrombin. Assembly of FX and FV leading to thrombin generation has been demonstrated on the virus surface. Herpes virus genomic material has been associated with atherosclerosis plaque, thrombosis and atherosclerosis due to the unregulated production of thrombin. (11) It is well known NK cells aid in the fight against HSV-1 infection. Severe herpetic infections have been seen in NK -deficient patients, as well as early infiltrations of herpetic lesions by NK cells. This due to damage of HLA class 1 expression by HSV-1 and the lysis of HSV-1 infected targets by NK cells.E. Estefania et al. presented a study suggesting clinical symptoms of HSV-1 infection being more likely to happen among humans expressing the NK cell receptors KIR2DL2 and KIR2DS2. The genes encoding the receptors appear to increase the risk of recurrent infection, where the lack of the receptors is shown to protect from the disease. (1) Conclusion HSV-1 can cause severe recurrent disease in humans and establish lifelong infection in their hosts. Several antiviral approaches have been considered to counteract the effects of HSV-1 throughout the body yet no vaccine, to cure the infection from its host, has been accepted.Acyclovir, and its ester derivative valacyclovir, as well as penciclovir and its prodrug famciclovir, are the latest approved antiviral medications to battle HSV-1 infection. Several other strategies are currently under investigation such as potential therapeutic vaccines, cidofovir, and aqueous extracts in Africa. Past attempts of vaccines have utilized viral vectors, DNA vaccination, recombinant bacteria, cytokines to manipulate the immune response, novel adjuvants, innovative delivery systems and different routes of inoculation. Most of which have been successful in lab mice but none have been approved for human use.Therapeutic vaccines target symptomatic individuals, using DNA vaccines encoding various cytokines used to intentionally bias the immune system toward Th1 or Th2 responses. Different boosts with different cytokine adjuvants may be used to induce proper immune response. (2) Extracts from the eastern cape of Africa, Aloe ferox and Withania somnifera, confirmed morphological changes indicative of cytopathic effects that retard the replication and spread of HSV-1. (12) Furthermore, a hematopoietic stem cell transplant recipient developed mucosal HSV-1 infection, and while under acyclovir treatment, later show ed resistance to the antiviral.After developing hemorrhagic cystitis due to polyomavirus BK, cidofovir was prescribed and the patient profited from the broad spectrum anti-DNA virus activity with the disappearance of HSV-1 lesions. (13) In conclusion, as described above the mechanisms by which HSV-1 hijacks and hides out in its host, have been studied to great detail and are routinely manipulated. The particularly complex structure, as well as detailed means by which each gene in the large genome is activated and carries out its genes products, intrigue many scientists which continue to investigate and attempt a formidable vaccine against the virus.Studies among mice have proven effective, although HSV-1 is a very host specific infection, thus making trials of acceptable anitvirals and vaccines extremely difficult. The only slightly acceptable element of HSV-1 infection is, in rare cases where no reoccurrences is shown, and moreover there are many instances of asymptomatic carriers. Devastating incidence such as transferring HSV-1 to a neonate during delivery and schizophrenics showing decreased prefrontal grey matter due to HSV-1, are just a pinch of the terrifying effects of this virus, remaining in host TG until a stressful situation comes along. 14,15) Herpes Simplex Virus type 1 Genome (Figure 1) 00 Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1 Infection (Figure 2) Works Cited 1. )Estefania, E, et al. â€Å"Influence of KIR gene diversity on the course of HSV-1 infection: resistance to the disease is associated with the absence of KIR2DL2 and KIR2DS2. † Tissue Antigens 70. 1 (July 2007): 34-41. MEDLINE. EBSCO. [Library name], [City], [State abbreviation]. 19 Nov. 2008 . 2. )Ferenczy, Michael W. â€Å"Prophylactic Vaccine Strategies and the Potential of Therapeutic Vaccines Against Herpes Simplex Virus. † Current Pharmaceutical Design 13. 9 July 2007): 1975-1988. Academic Search Premier. EBSCO. [Library name], [City], [State abbreviation]. 19 Nov. 2008 . 3. )S hen, Y, and J Nemunaitis.. â€Å"Herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1) for cancer treatment. † Cancer Gene Therapy 13. 11 (07 Nov. 2006): 975-992. MEDLINE. EBSCO. [Library name], [City], [State abbreviation]. 19 Nov. 2008 . 4. )Clement, Christian, et al. â€Å"A novel role for phagocytosis-like uptake in herpes simplex virus entry. † Journal of Cell Biology 174. 7 (25 Sep. 2006): 1009-1021. Academic Search Premier. EBSCO. [Library name], [City], [State abbreviation]. 4 Sep. 2008 . 5. )Newcomb, William W, Frank P Booy, and Jay C Brown. â€Å"Uncoating the herpes simplex virus genome. † Journal Of Molecular Biology 370. 4 (20 July 2007): 633-642. MEDLINE. EBSCO. [Library name], [City], [State abbreviation]. 3 Sep. 2008 . 6. )Ramachandran, Srividya, and Paul R Kinchington.. â€Å"Potential prophylactic and therapeutic vaccines for HSV infections. † Current Pharmaceutical Design 13. 19 (2007): 1965-1973. MEDLINE. EBSCO. [Library name], [City], [State abbreviation]. 22 Nov. 2008 . 7. )Kaufman, Herbert E, et al. Efficacy of a helicase-primase inhibitor in animal models of ocular herpes simplex virus type 1 infection. † Journal Of Ocular Pharmacology And Therapeutics: The Official Journal Of The Association For Ocular Pharmacology And Therapeutics 24. 1 (Feb. 2008): 34-42. MEDLINE. EBSCO. [Library name], [City], [State abbreviation]. 19 Nov. 2008 . 8. )Kim, Bumseok, et al. â€Å"Application of FGF-2 to Modulate Herpetic Stromal Keratitis. † Current Eye Research 31. 12 (Dec. 2006): 1021-1028. Academic Search Premier. EBSCO. [Library name], [City], [State abbreviation]. 19 Nov. 2008 . 9. )Chen S, Yao H, Chen I, Shieh B, Li C, Chen S.Suppression of transcription factor early growth response 1 reduces herpes simplex virus lethality in mice. Journal of Clinical Investigation [serial online]. October 2008;118(10):3470-3477. Available from: Academic Search Premier, Ipswich, MA. Accessed November 22, 2008. 10. )Bener, Dafna, et al. â€Å"Gl ucocorticoid Resistance following Herpes Simplex-1 Infection: Role of Hippocampal Glucocorticoid Receptors. † Neuroendocrinology 85. 4 (Apr. 2007): 207-215. Academic Search Premier. EBSCO. [Library name], [City], [State abbreviation]. 19 Nov. 2008 . 11. )Thrombin paper 12. )Kambizi, L. , et al. Anti-viral effects of aqueous extracts of Aloe Xerox and Withania somnifera on herpes simplex virus type 1 in cell culture. † South African Journal of Science 103. 9/10 (Sep. 2007): 359-360. Academic Search Premier. EBSCO. [Library name], [City], [State abbreviation]. 10 Sep. 2008 . 13. )Andrei, G, et al. â€Å"Dual infection with polyomavirus BK and acyclovir-resistant herpes simplex virus successfully treated with cidofovir in a bone marrow transplant recipient. † Transplant Infectious Disease: An Official Journal Of The Transplantation Society 9. 2 (June 2007): 126-131. MEDLINE. EBSCO. Library name], [City], [State abbreviation]. 19 Nov. 2008 . 14. )Brown, Elizabeth L. , et al. â€Å"Effect of maternal herpes simplex virus (HSV) serostatus and HSV type on risk of neonatal herpes. † Acta Obstetricia & Gynecologica Scandinavica 86. 5 (May 2007): 523-529. Academic Search Premier. EBSCO. [Library name], [City], [State abbreviation]. 17 Sep. 2008 . 15. )Prasad, K. M. R. , et al. â€Å"Brain morphological changes associated with exposure to HSV1 in first-episode schizophrenia. † Molecular Psychiatry 12. 1 (Jan. 2007): 105-113. Academic Search Premier. EBSCO. [Library name], [City], [State abbreviation]. 1 Oct. 2008 .

Monday, September 16, 2019

Operations Management London Zoo and Nottimham Castle Case Study

In today’s information age, it is important for businesses to take advantage of the available avenues to reach out to customers and potential customers. Tourist attractions such as London Zoo, and Nottingham Castle, are no exceptions of being in the age of constant information flows. These places want to attract visitors with their facility layouts and overall experiences, and to improve upon what they already have, they would need to optimize their products through well planned operations management. When one thinks of a zoo and a historic museum, it is very natural to think of both places as tourist attractions, but what they offer the visitors could be very different. The London Zoo offers patrons the experience of interacting with animals that we would otherwise have very little chances of seeing, while the Nottingham Castle brings the visitors back in time and allows them to feel and see the history. The zoo needs to attract people with their animal collections, while the Nottingham Castle needs to intrigue visitors with their well laid out tours, guides, and interesting historic facts. The purpose of this report is to describe how each of these places, the London Zoo and the Nottingham Castle, are run in terms of operations management, then to identify possible flaws and ways to improve upon their current operational methodology. Though these two places are both tourist attractions, but their appeals are unique to their own. The zoo offers exciting and dynamic interactions with live animals, so it needs to capitalize on the animals it has or through possible new animal acquisitions. The Nottingham Castle on the other hand should cater to what the visitors would be most interested in knowing about the place. To wrap up this report, a comparison between the two locations will be done. Nottingham Castle can trace its history back to 1067; the wooden castle was built by the Conqueror. In 1878, Prince of Wales opened it as a municipal museum and art gallery and it has since become one of the popular scenic spots in Nottingham city. According to Nottingham City Council website, Nottingham Castle is open Tuesday to Sunday from 10am to 4pm. From March to September it opens until 5 in the evening. Although the Castle only provides parking for disabilities, public parking and railway station are all within 10 to 15minutes walk. In order to attract more visitors, Nottingham Castle has a Tuesday free entry plan for the local citizens. Other visitors can purchase tickets from 3 to 5. 5Pounds depending on different types of tickets. There is only one entrance into the Castle, therefore after visitors purchase the tickets; they have admission to any of the places inside Nottingham Castle which includes the indoor facilities: museum, art gallery and outdoor facilities: Victorian bandstand, playground. It can be seen that Nottingham Castle has both the educational and entertainment functions which are suitable for family leisure activity. Figure 1: Nottingham Castle process and layout diagram Source: BBC Local Nottingham Website Nottingham Castle is surrounded by walls, when visitors go into the castle gatehouse they will see a beautiful garden and the castle atop the hill. As can be seen in the Figure 1, Nottingham Castle has tried to arrange a route for visitors. Visitors usually are attracted by the Robin Hood statue just outside the castle before heading to the castle gatehouse to purchase the tickets. Once inside the Castle, visitors can access any facility to their likings and do not necessarily have to follow the route which is suggested by Nottingham Castle. According to BBC Nottingham local website, the route suggested by Nottingham Castle shown as below: Robin Hood Statue > Castle Gatehouse > Victorian Bandstand > Eastern Terrace > Guard Room > Dungeon 01 > Dungeon 02 > Long Gallery > Castle Roof > Soldiers Tunnel > Mortimer’s Hole > Cannon Position > Miller’s Cottage In this case, Nottingham Castle could be classified as process layout. This is because when visitors flow through the operation, they choose a route from facility to facility according to their needs. (Slack et al. , 2004) Nottingham Castle is considered a small Castle. The museum and gallery are all located inside the Castle. The space of the exhibition compare to many other museums is on the smaller side. The Castle Cafe and shop are not very busy during the day. Visitors normally spend one to two hours to see all the facilities. Therefore, the volume of its output is low. Moreover, when visitors go to the gatehouse, the staffs are not only selling tickets but also in charge of the gift shop. Slack et al. (2004) state that when the volume is lower, â€Å"the number of staff will be lower and therefore individual staffs are likely to perform a wider range of tasks† (p. 0) this situation can be observed at Nottingham Castle. It might cause visitors to wait in the long queue, because of the customers who want to buy gift and tickets have to wait at the same counter. Once the visitors are in the Castle, they can access many attractions. For adults, they can enjoy the art and historical display; children can experience the outdoor playground and some indoor displays which are design for kids on ground floor. Furthermore, Nottingham Castle hold different events and tours throughout the year. (Table 1) These information shows that Nottingham Castle provides high variety of services. However, when there is no special event, the outdoor facilities tend to be idle. The function of playground and bandstand will be low. Table 1: Nottingham Castle events and tours Events| Time| Outdoor theatre| June, July and August| Robin Hood Pageant| October| Christmas events including visiting Santa| Christmas| Fireworks| | Historical en-enactments| | Indoor and outdoor activities for families| All year long| Festivals and fairs| | Cave tours| Tuesday – Sunday| Private hire| | During the weekends, holidays and school vacations, the number of visitors will increase. In addition, the castle is closed on Mondays; the number of visitors can fluctuate greatly depending on the time of the year. Along with big crowds,variation of demands can arise. It is then crucial for the Nottingham Castle staffs to assist the patrons when necessary. Visitors do not need to spend for a long time to find staffs for assistant. The transforming resources such as: Castle, Museum and gallery are highly visible to the visitors. The second case in this essay is London Zoo. Since it opened in 1828, London Zoo has been one of the most favorite attractions in England. (Watt and Stuart, 1995, p. ) Similar to Nottingham Castle, London Zoo adopt process layout as their operation layout type. Visitors do not have many limitations after they get into the zoo. Once inside the Zoo, not only staff and facilities are transforming resources but so are animals. Therefore, the collection of animals and their well-being is very important for the zoo. The average number of visitors during holidays, weekends and special events tend to be high. The number of visitors can peak at 18,000 people per day compare to 4000 to 6000 people on average. (Watt and Stuart, 1995) Base on these figures, the volume of London Zoo’s output is high. Moreover,London Zoo offers high-variety service. They have grown their animal collections and developed children’s zoo, education centre †¦etc. Additionally, questionnaires are sent out to customers to help them improve their daily operation. Although the volume of London Zoo is high, the Variation of demand is quite high as well. According to Watt and Stuart (1995), daily number of visitors fluctuated dramatically. The lowest and highest visitor numbers are 48 and 18. 000 people. London Zoo is predicted as a high visibility leisure facility. Most of the transforming resources are visible to the visitors. During peak periods, the zoo will hire more temporary stuff to help permanent stuff and thus provides customers a better experience. After carefully examining each facility's operations management, we can then compare and contrast them side by side. As discussed,the Nottingham Castle and the London Zoo have the same type of operation layout which is process layout. One disadvantage of process layout is customer queuing. (Slack et al. , 2004, p. 217) This issue is present in both of the two cases, especially during peak periods. London Zoo has queue everywhere, even the food in the shop is not up to the demand. Watt and Stuart, 1995) The other problem which appeared in author’s own experience was the clarity of flow in Nottingham Castle was low. Although visitors are free to choose their own route, the signposts in Nottingham Castle appear to be not clear. The unclear signposts sometimes confuse visitors; causing visitors to be unsure whether they have been to the all the facil ities on each floor. This problem match another possible disadvantage of process layout which is complex flow could be difficult to control. These two disadvantages both affect visitor’s experiences adversely. As we know customers’ satisfaction is crucial to any business sustainability and credibility. Therefore, improvement should be taken to upgrade their service quality. Refer to the difference between the four Vs in each facility. (Figure 2) Due to the size of the facility, London Zoo tends to have higher volume and variety to their outputs. Furthermore, London Zoo shows higher degree of visibility than Nottingham Castle. This is not only about contacts with the staff, but also higher visibility of the transforming resources to visitors. For instance, sometimes, visitors could have the chance to see workers feeding the animals. Hence,there is more interaction between transformed and transforming resources in London Zoo. Figure 2: Nottingham Castle and London Zoo Four Vs One common issue between both facilities is high variation in demand. This could lead to unstable financial statements and high unit costs. (Slack et al. , 2004) For leisure facilities, not surprisingly, the number of visitors varies from period to period. For example, during the summer vacation or school holidays, more families are willing to visit leisure facilities. The number of visitors will also get a boost when there are special events. This kind of unpredictable situation has a great impact on both places, especially the London Zoo. â€Å"On the Easter and August Bank holidays we can easily reach 10,000 people. † (Watt and Stuart, 1995, p. 8) Having a huge number of visitors in a day might be a good thing on short term profits. However, fluctuation of visitors can be a challenging obstacle to formulate a long term plan for due to the uncertain demands between peak and down times without sacrificing the quality of product. The shortage of stuff and products can lower the service quality which directly affects its reputation. As London Zoo’s director Jo Gipps said: (Watt and Stuart, 1995, p. 12) â€Å"They (visitors) will spread their dissatisfaction or disappointment by ‘word-of-mouth’. The consequence will be that visitors will not return, and new visitors will not be attracted† Since London Zoo is a bigger facility than Nottingham Castle, the temporary shortage on staff and products in busy months should have more impacts on its overall customers’ experiences. Thus, having a plan to cope with the short term increasing demands is even more vital for the Zoo to include in its operations management. This essay described Nottingham Castle and London Zoo in terms of operations management. After identifying each of facilities’ characteristic, it can be found that the basic layout adopted by both is process layout. Since visitors are free to move inside the zoo and the castle, the layouts of facilities need to maximize the traffic flow and put down well indicated signs for the visitors. The appropriate management of the traffic flow and the demands that are associated with a big crowd of people is a major mission for both the Nottingham Castle and the London Zoo. To some extent, Nottingham Castle and London Zoo have many similarities. Continual developments are the keys to attract more visitors to both places. However, due to the size of the facility and the nature of services provided, London Zoo has a more complex and dynamic operation process. In order to be competitive among today’s competitive leisurely activities choices, The Zoo needs to constantly reinvent itself with new acquisition of animals, interesting promotions to keep its spot light in potential customers’ minds. Therefore, the important resource for the Zoo is new capital which can help it explore new developments. On the other hand, the Nottingham Castle is a historic museum. The beauty of the Castle is its originality. There is simply not enough room nor need for new developments, but what the Castle would need is better representations of the history and stories of the Castle. And these improvements should be implemented on the guided tours, and better trained staff members. This is obviously not a single way to manage both of these multifaceted leisure facilities. Each case is unique of its own and should require careful considerations before implementing changes that suite its best interest.