The Relationship between Video Games and Youth Violence

Many people have theorized that violence in video games have contributed to violent outbreaks of behavior in real life. Violent video games have been a political issue since the early 1980s; however, people forget to look at how people of all ages spend their free time playing these games for entertainment. 97% of 12-17 year olds in the US played video games in 2008, thus fueling an $11.7 billion domestic video game industry. In 2008, 10 of the top 20 best-selling video games in the US contained violence. Video games are a source for entertainment, not a possible source of corruption to our society. â€Å"According to an Oct. 28 USA Today article, up to 50 percent of children and teens have some type of gaming console in their bedrooms† (Pittman). I do agree that kids do spend too much time being entertained playing video games and too little time riding a bike or playing sports with friends in the street being active. However, violent video games are not turning kids into vio lent psychopaths. If they were, statistics would show a dramatic increase in youth violence in recent years based on the amount of time modern kids spend playing such games. However, violence in video games doesn’t directly correlate with violence in young youth because of the decrease in crime rate, mental stability and the quality of home life, and it’s stress reliever. Therefore, there are no widely notable studies in today’s society that show a direct link between violence in games and that kind ofShow MoreRelatedDo Violent Video Games Cause Violence in Childen1049 Words   |  5 PagesDo Violent Video Games Influence Youth Violence Noel Averruz EN1420 ITT-Technical Institute Ever Since Violent Video Games were invented People have been trying to prove that they influence Violence in Juveniles. Although many prospective studies have been done on video game violence and the affect they have on the youth, none have been able to completely validate the claim that violent video games do influence the youth to become violent in their everyday lives. Out of the many studies thatRead MoreVideo Games And Violent Violence1345 Words   |  6 Pageseven specially made devices for babies and children. Video games are interwoven with our daily lives. For many, it is just an innocent way to relax or enjoy themselves. For others, it has become an addiction in which they cannot escape. Not all video games are violent, but what about those that are? Does society have an obligation to monitor every type of video game children and adults play simply because they believe it may lead to acts of violence? Psychologists, Sociologists, Anthropologist, SchoolsRead MoreThe Effects of Violent Video Games on the Young1575 Words   |  6 Pageslike the bad reputation rock and roll music received in the 1950’s, violent video games have been questioned and looked down upon as a newer form of influential media. Violent video games have been blamed for bullying, school shootings, increasing rape, and increasing the amount of women being abused. Despite the popular belief that video games can be very harmful to a child’s mind and cause violent behavior, video games don’t cause as much psychological damage to children as people have been tryingRead MoreDo Video Games Inspire Violent Behavior?1713 Words   |  7 Pageseffects of violent video games and the development of today’s youth. Many people believe that the violence in video games promotes aggression. According to Doctor Brad Bushman’s article, Do Violent Video Games Increase Aggression? he claims that violent video games leads to aggression because it is interactive process that teaches and rewards violent behavior. Yet others believe that this not the case. Gregg Toppo of the Scientific American, writes in his article, â€Å"Do Video Games Inspire Violent BehaviorRead MoreViolent Video Games Cause Violent Behavior1127 Words   |  5 PagesIt widely argued against whether violent video games can trigger violent behavior among those who play them. There s many cases of the violent video games being the main factor of the person being violent, however their is plenty of factors that play a role in the case from parental neglect to drug abuse. In 1983 C. Everett Koop, the U.S. Surgeon General, claimed that video games were a leading cause of family violence. Although video game advocates argue that majority of the research on the topicRead MoreThe Effects Of Video Games On Violent Behavior Among Young Children1525 Words   |  7 Pages The Effects of Video games on Violent Behavior among Young Children Julian A. Jaggon University of Central Florida The Effect of Video games on Violent Behavior among Young Children Just how popular are videogames? In today’s society very popular, not only do our kids and teenagers play video games but even grown men and women play them as well. Video games are now more popular than watching television or going to the movies. According to Center forRead MoreVideo Games Impacts on Youth1181 Words   |  5 PagesBlanchard English 1102 20 September 2011 Video Games Impact on Youth Today Video games are the most popular form of entertainment and they are enjoyed by people from all age groups. Playing video games can have tremendous impacts on the different age groups, most importantly on the youth. The impact of video games on the youth has many different sides and it is a highly debated topic. One side feels that it has no impact on the youth and is only a game in which the content is meant to be enjoyedRead MoreViolent Video Games in the Twenty-First Century: The Truth Essay1649 Words   |  7 Pageswould come to see a cause for teen violence where there was none. Fear, in this case, would result in one of the many half-truths that are still heavily debated to this day. Although this half-truth regards video games resulting in teenage violence, the effects of video games on children and teenagers do not generally result in future adolescent violence problems. The relation between teenage violence and violent video games covers an immense area for argument. A video game’s content is what makes itRead MoreDo Video Games Contribute For Video Game Violence?1170 Words   |  5 Pages Do video games contribute to video game violence? I will discuss why video games do not contribute to youth violence, what types of warnings are given by video game companies, and what flaws exist in studies that suggest a correlation between violence and gaming. As the sales of video games have risen in recent years, some groups claim that violence in these games has caused violent behaviors among young players. However, this argument bears little factual evidence supporting such a connectionRead MoreMedia Violence: A Negative Influence on Young People A massive amount of violence is being1300 Words   |  6 PagesMedia Violence: A Negative Influence on Young People A massive amount of violence is being displayed in the media and has become harder to avoid. Violence is everywhere. We experience it in various ways, such as rap music, television, or first person shooter video games. We hear rap music and remember the vicious lyrics. We constantly watch celebrities commit crime on television and observe people being slaughtered multiple times a day. Youth can virtually do the slaughtering of the other characters

Abortion Is Not A Black And White Issue - 1524 Words

Of all the legal, ethical, and moral issues Americans continue to either fight for or against the women’s right to have an abortion. The issues surrounding abortion is in the forefront of many political races and seem to be the issue that many Americans are passionate about. It is important to realize that abortion is not a black and white issue. Abortion is the ending of a pregnancy by removing a fetus or embryo before it can survive outside of the uterus. Once a women finds out that she is pregnant she does have a constitutional protected right to have an abortion in the early stages of pregnancy. Abortions are conducted by women from all forms of life. The typical woman who terminates her pregnancy may either be young, poor, or†¦show more content†¦People didn t scream about it in protest, and services were marketed openly. In the 18th century and until about 1880, abortions were allowed under common law and were widely practiced. Abortion was only illegal was the women experienced quickening. This simply means the point at which a women feels the fetus moving within her. The American Medical Association was founded in 1847 and had pushed for state laws to restrict abortions, and most did by 1900. The American Medical Association voiced its concern about abortion, not just because of the danger to women, but also because of the possibility of a woman overlooking the duties imposed on her by the marriage contract. The act of having an abortion had become banned and was only permissible when necessary to save a woman s life. The Comstock Law was passed by Congress in 1873. This was a federal law that had made it a crime to sell or distribute materials that could be used for contraception or abortion. Even after abortions became illegal, women continued to have them. Practitioners did their work behind closed doors or in private homes. Women often resorted to desperate and deadly measures just to have an abortion. Women had been able to get abortions by leaving the country or paying a physician in the U.S. a large fee for the procedure. While others weren t so lucky. They often sought out back-alley procedures or took matters in their own hands. The methodsShow MoreRelatedAbortion Is Not A Black And White Issue1242 Words   |  5 Pagesperson can use somebody’s body without their permission. The Catholic Church and the State of Ireland seem to be leisurely recognizing that abortion is not a black and white issue. The reasons for abortion are vast and complex, and in some cases abortion is mandatory in order to save the life of the mother. By observing abortion as if it were black and white, the State and the Church did not face the reality that the support of comprehensive reproductive healthcare is absolutely necessary. This neglectRead More Effects Of Rape On Women Essay1139 Words   |  5 Pagesnbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;â€Å"Paranoia concerning the protection of white women from sexual assault by black men is a legacy of American slavery that has fequently served as a focus for racist exaggerations about black men†(LaFree 312) Interracial rapes seem to cause the greatest sensation in the news, when the victim is white and the rapist is black. When a black man violates a white women, the news as well as the public becomes very angry. Why is it though that the public never hears about a white man raping a blzck woman? AccordingRead MoreAnalysis Of The Harlem Renaissance, African American Poets912 Words   |  4 Pagesuninfluential to the genre of poetry due to the difference of addressed issues. Poets of African American decent did not only address issues of the sex, but also race, colorism, and class. Though fighting for some of the same issues, black poets had issues on a different spectrum from white poets. The emergence of Womanist derived from the different attitudes and issues between black poets and their white counterparts. Colorism amongst black was mentioned commonly amongst the works of African American poetsRead MoreAbortion Essay916 Words   |  4 Pages  ¨Abortion isnt a lesser evil, it ´s a crime.Taking ones life from another, that ´s what the mafia does.It ´s a crime.It ´s an absolute evil ¨ (Pope Francis). Abortion is a serious issue in the world, pretty much what an abortion does is murder the still developing baby or fetus inside the mothers womb.I am doing this issue because everyone should have the right to live, the declaration of independence even states that all people have the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happinessRead MoreThe First Wave Of Women s Suffrage Movement1653 Words   |  7 Pagesthe latter half of the century, the second wave of feminism arose. It included the voice of African-American women because this wave occurred during the civil rights movement. Second wave feminism also included important issues such as sexual and reproductive rights, legal abortions, birth control pills, and the passing of the Equal Pay Act (1963). All feminists live to create ideologies and movements that support the equality of women, but it is clear that second wave feminists were substantiallyRead MoreBlack Women s Attitudes Towards Abortion1350 Words   |  6 PagesStati stics about black women in relation to abortion and maternal mortality have been extremely low (Lynxwiler Gay, 1997). This is due to depiction of black women’s attitudes towards abortion (Lynxwiler Gay, 1997). For many years no one knew how black women felt towards abortion because no one studied it (Lynxwiler Gay, 1997). Black women were often left out of the conversation when it came to talking about abortion and maternal mortality. Many studies focused on Black Women and maternal mortalityRead MoreAnalysis Of Abortion By Jennifer Davis1137 Words   |  5 PagesHailey Vadnais Women Left Behind by the Reproductive Rights Movement Two feminist readings, â€Å"Abortion† by Jennifer Saul and â€Å"Racism, Birth Control, and Reproductive Rights† by Angela Davis, both cover the important feminist topics of abortion and reproductive rights, but in different ways. Though very alike, the pieces are different in important ways, as they both bring ideas to the table that work in tandem with each other, as I will discuss below. In this paper, I will cover the differenceRead MoreFirst Wave Feminism By Betty Friedan1171 Words   |  5 PagesBackground Knowledge: Second-wave feminism refers to the period of feminist activity that focused on social and legal issues of gender equality such as sexuality, family, the workplace, reproductive rights and equal opportunity in education and the workplace. Source 1: The Feminine Mystique by Betty Friedan In 1963, Betty Friedan’s The Feminine Mystique was published. Friedan discussed the problem that â€Å"lay buried, unspoken† in the minds of the suburban housewife, saying that they were too sociallyRead MoreThe Issue Of Pregnancy Termination1215 Words   |  5 PagesPregnancy termination is a controversial and sensitive subject that has sparked many debates in the past five decades. It is a two-sided issue between life and death of the unborn child. Planned Parenthood (2017) reports that thirty percent of women in the United States terminate a pregnancy before reaching forty-five years of age. Abortion has been legal in the United States since Roe v. Wade, a 1973 landmark decision held that the Fourteenth Amendment’s right of personal privacy covered the woman’sRead MoreBlack Lives Matter Is A Necessity Of Today s Society1220 Words   |  5 Pagesregarding social issues and equality. Strides have been made that have brought America out of the racially divided country. Today, African-Americans can be found owning business, being successful doctors, professors, and leaders of the world. However, Black Lives Matter (BLM) highlights the shadowed inequality that America is currently experiencing. Though controversial, Black Lives Matter is a necessity of today’s society because it’s encouraging, convicting, and progressive. Black Lives Matter began

Diversity in Teaching and Learning

Question: Discuss about the Diversity in Teaching and Learning. Answer: Introduction The culture in which a child is raised shapes their experience and has an impact on their development. Through the exposure to different culture, they learn which behavior should be preferred or discouraged. Early childhood educators must be aware of the cultural orientation of children and its impact to plan lessons and the experience for children in educational setting. As childrens socio-cultural values begin in the early childhood classroom setting, the knowledge about culturally diverse group of children will help them to address the needs of children in development. The early childhood experience in the classroom setting should be planned in such a way that the children can easily incorporate the lessons in their life (Buchori Dobinson, 2015). The report illustrates the role of culture on child development and how knowledge about it in early childhood educators will influence the development of routines and experience for children. Impacts of culture on child development Different aspects of culture such as language, tradition, behavior, beliefs and values has impact on the development and well-being of children. The cultural experience and values shapes the personality and thinking pattern of an individual. Connection with parents and other individuals helps children to connect with their cultural identity. In early childhood setting, children starts to become aware of the difference between their family members and other individuals the encounter. This awareness has an impact on their social and emotional well-being and it is necessary that early childhood educators clears the childrens natural curiosity in such a way that they appreciate the diversity in the society and feel good about their own identity too (Kids Matter: Australian early childhood mental health initiative, 2016). Children coming from different cultural background may face many barriers in the learning process and it is necessary that the educators are aware of these barriers and takes necessary steps to enhance their development. For instance, children begin to identify racial difference from the age of two and start to develop the meaning about negative attitude from three years onwards. Hence, race and ethnicity begins to influence children from very young age and the implementation of effective early childhood programmes is essential to address this issues. Successful experience and lesson can be planned when educators are aware of different impact of culture on child development and well-being. Educators need to distinguish between in-group favoritism and out-group prejudice. This can be done by determining how in-group favoritism can be developed in children and how to develop their respect for diversity through friendship choice and providing experiences related to relationship developm ent (Connolly, 2011). Early childhood educators can play a role in sustainable development very early in life. They lay intellectual, physical, emotional and social foundations of development and learning through different routines and play lessons. Effective lessons and experience planned in accordance with children development helps to foster values, attitudes and skills to support sustainable development. It may involve taking children outdoor to speak about natural environment. The learning could be incorporated in them about concrete actions to favor the environment. Similarly, educator may engage in the designing of interactive play lessons so that children becomes compassionate to others and respect difference related to culture and beliefs in society (Bredekamp, 2014).Therefore, holistic development in children is seen not just by reading, writing and arithmetic, but also through education in the areas of reflection, respect, reducing negativity and protecting resources in the society. Considering the impact of culture on child development, a multi-culturalistic environment is needed in early childhood education setting. This will involve putting emphasis on a renewed curriculum and encouraging learning in children with activities and experience that promotes equality, harmony and justice in society. The intercultural approach to class lessons will ensure that childs cultural identity is preserved and each child contribute in their own way to the richness of cultural context in educational setting. If educators adapt intercultural approach in education, it will encourage children to share their cultural context as well as understand variations in group. Through intercultural activities and communication with educators, young children will get to learn how each individual is unique and contribute to the well-being of the society (NICHD Early Child Care Research Network, 2016). Parents involvement in childrens activities at home is often ignored and educators need to involve parents to maintain a continuity of understanding between home and educational setting and continuing the enthusiasm of children in class lessons (Chan Ritchie, 2016). Hence, with the knowledge of impact of culture on child development, early child educators have the opportunity to develop sensitivity, inclusiveness and respect in children. The key attribute of an intercultural classroom in educational setting will include a learning environment that facilitate development of moral values in children and the classroom is adorned with sharing experiences of childrens cultural context in life. The educators strategy in keeping a balance between childrens home and learning environment may include creating opportunities to bridge the gap between both world through play lessons and experience. For example if a child uses chopstick to eat, the child can continue so in classroom and teachers may also encourage other children to learn if interested. Hence, an early child educator with understanding about cultural sensitivity in child development will help to support cultural routines in the classroom and other children can also explore the opportunity to learn other cultures. This would also create a sense of pride and cultural identity in children. Appropriate childhood education experience will lead to the creation of a more equitable education system (Ponciano Shabazian, 2017). Conclusion The report summarized the impact of culture on children development and discussed educator role in overcoming barrier in learning process in a culturally diverse classroom environment. As cultural values, beliefs and attitude shapes a persons life and personality, the focus is laid on maintaining continuity between a childs cultural understanding and classroom experience. It also emphasized if teachers plan strategies to plan lessons by intercultural approach, it would encourage child learning and development by understanding and respecting diversity in society. Reference Bredekamp, S. (2014).Effective practices in early childhood education: Building a foundation. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson. Buchori, S., Dobinson, T. (2015). Diversity in teaching and learning: Practitioners' perspectives in a multicultural early childhood setting in Australia.Australasian Journal of Early Childhood,40(1), 71. Chan, A., Ritchie, J. (2016). Parents, participation, partnership: Problematising New Zealand early childhood education.Contemporary Issues in Early Childhood,17(3), 289-303. Connolly, P. (2011). Using survey data to explore preschool childrens ethnic awareness and attitudes. Journal of Early Childhood Research, 9(2), 175-187. Retrieved fromhttps://www.icyrnet.net/uploads/news/files/Children_'s%20Ethnic%20Awareness,%20Journal%20of%20Early%20Childhood%20Research-2011-Connolly-175-87.pdf Kids Matter: Australian early childhood mental health initiative. (2016) Why culture matters for childrens development and wellbeing. Retrieved fromhttps://www.kidsmatter.edu.au/sites/default/files/public/KM%20C1_Cultural%20Diversity_Culture%20Matters%20for%20Development.pdf NICHD Early Child Care Research Network. (2016). Child-care structure process outcome: Direct and indirect effects of child-care quality on young children's development.Psychological Science. Ponciano, L., Shabazian, A. (2017).Interculturalism: Addressing Diversity in Early Childhood. Retrieved 21 March 2017, from https://www.southernearlychildhood.org/upload/pdf/Interculturalism___Addressing_Diversity_in_Early_Childhood___Leslie_Ponciano_and_Ani_Shabazian.pdf Silva, K. G., Correa?Chvez, M., Rogoff, B. (2010). Mexican?Heritage Childrens Attention and Learning From Interactions Directed to Others.Child Development,81(3), 898-912.

Latina poetry as an expression of cultural heritae, heritage of cultural america Flashcard

Latina poetry as an expression of cultural heritae, heritage of cultural america

Free Essays on My Mother

It took me eighteen years to realize what an extraordinary influence my mother has been on my life. She’ s the kind of person who has thoughtful discussions about which artist she would most want to have her portrait painted by (Sargent), the kind of mother who always has time for her four children, and the kind of community leader who has a seat on the board of every major project to assist Washington’ s impoverished citizens. Growing up with such a strong role model, I developed many of her enthusiasms. I not only came to love the excitement of learning simply for the sake of knowing something new, but I also came to understand the idea of giving back to the community in exchange for a new sense of life, love, and spirit. My mother’ s enthusiasm for learning is most apparent in travel. I was nine years old when my family visited Greece. Every night for three weeks before the trip, my older brother Peter and I sat with my mother on her bed reading Greek myths and taking notes on the Greek Gods. Despite the fact that we were traveling with fourteen-month-old twins, we managed to be at each ruin when the site opened at sunrise. I vividly remember standing in an empty ampitheatre pretending to be an ancient tragedian, picking out my favorite sculpture in the Acropolis museum, and inserting our family into modified tales of the battle at Troy. Eight years and half a dozen passport stamps later I have come to value what I have learned on these journeys about global history, politics and culture, as well as my family and myself. While I treasure the various worlds my mother has opened to me abroad, my life has been equally transformed by what she has shown me just two miles from my house. As a ten year old, I often accompanied my mother to (name deleted), a local soup kitchen and children’ s center. While she attended meetings, I helped with the Summer Program by chasing children around the building and performing magic tricks. Hav... Free Essays on My Mother Free Essays on My Mother It took me eighteen years to realize what an extraordinary influence my mother has been on my life. She’ s the kind of person who has thoughtful discussions about which artist she would most want to have her portrait painted by (Sargent), the kind of mother who always has time for her four children, and the kind of community leader who has a seat on the board of every major project to assist Washington’ s impoverished citizens. Growing up with such a strong role model, I developed many of her enthusiasms. I not only came to love the excitement of learning simply for the sake of knowing something new, but I also came to understand the idea of giving back to the community in exchange for a new sense of life, love, and spirit. My mother’ s enthusiasm for learning is most apparent in travel. I was nine years old when my family visited Greece. Every night for three weeks before the trip, my older brother Peter and I sat with my mother on her bed reading Greek myths and taking notes on the Greek Gods. Despite the fact that we were traveling with fourteen-month-old twins, we managed to be at each ruin when the site opened at sunrise. I vividly remember standing in an empty ampitheatre pretending to be an ancient tragedian, picking out my favorite sculpture in the Acropolis museum, and inserting our family into modified tales of the battle at Troy. Eight years and half a dozen passport stamps later I have come to value what I have learned on these journeys about global history, politics and culture, as well as my family and myself. While I treasure the various worlds my mother has opened to me abroad, my life has been equally transformed by what she has shown me just two miles from my house. As a ten year old, I often accompanied my mother to (name deleted), a local soup kitchen and children’ s center. While she attended meetings, I helped with the Summer Program by chasing children around the building and performing magic tricks. Hav...

List of Free Online Oklahoma Public K-12 Schools

List of Free Online Oklahoma Public K-12 Schools Oklahoma offers resident students the opportunity to take online public school courses for free. Below is a list of no-cost online schools currently serving elementary and high school students in Oklahoma. In order to qualify for the list, schools must meet the following qualifications: classes must be available completely online, they must offer services to state residents, and they must be funded by the government. Virtual schools listed may be charter schools, state-wide public programs, or private programs that receive government funding. List of Oklahoma Online Charter Schools and Online Public Schools Oklahoma Virtual High School (off-site link) About Online Charter Schools and Online Public Schools Many states now offer tuition-free online schools for resident students under a certain age (often 21). Most virtual schools are charter schools; they receive government funding and are run by a private organization. Online charter schools are subject to fewer restrictions than traditional schools. However, they are reviewed regularly and must continue to meet state standards. Some states also offer their own online public schools. These virtual programs generally operate from a state office or a school district. State-wide public school programs vary. Some online public schools offer a limited number of remedial or advanced courses not available in brick-and-mortar public school campuses. Others offer full online diploma programs. A few states choose to fund â€Å"seats† for students in private online schools. The number of available seats may be limited and students are usually asked to apply through their public school guidance counselor. (See also: 4 Types of Online High Schools). Choosing an Oklahoma Online Public School When choosing an online public school, look for an established program that is regionally accredited and has a track record of success. Be wary of new schools that are disorganized, are unaccredited, or have been the subject of public scrutiny. For more suggestions on evaluating virtual schools see: How to Choose an Online High School.

Clinical NutritionThemainelementsof dietaryfiberare Non-starch Essay

Clinical Nutrition - Essay Example Different non-starch polysaccharides have unique physical-chemical properties very vital to their physiological properties owing to the structural variability. The physicochemical properties of NSP such as viscosity, water-holding capacity, fermentation, and the capacity to bind organic and inorganic molecules makes it an essential component of the diet. According to (Mann, et al., 2007), these physiological properties associated with their consumption include; a. Reduced bowel passage time and improved stool bulk. It helps prevent constipation by increasing bulk of the gut content by their ability to bind water, thus allowing easy passage through the human intestine. Hence speeds the passage of foods through the digestive system, which facilitates regular defecation. b. Reducing concentrations of post-prandial blood glucose and /or insulin. This means that it enhances improvements in glucose tolerance and the insulin response by adding bulk and weight to the diet. There are improvem ents in glucose tolerance and the insulin response since NSP attracts water.. c. Reducing concentrations of blood total and/or LDL cholesterol. It reduces hyperlipidemia, hypertension, and other coronary heart disease risk factors by lowering total and LDL cholesterol. d. Reduces the risk of colon cancer. There is the reduced risk of developing some cancers such as Colorectal through balancing intestinal pH and restricts the production of harmful by-products of protein. e. Improves gastrointestinal health. There are improvements in gastrointestinal health through toning of the gut muscles plus fermentation of NSP improves absorption of minerals, especially calcium. The short chain fatty acids assist to lower the pH of the colon, inhibiting the growth of pathogenic organisms, increasing mineral absorption, maintaining normal bowel structure and function, preventing or alleviating colon-based diarrhea, and stimulating the colonic blood flow and fluid and electrolyte uptake.

Two Recent Merger and Acquisition Cases Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Two Recent Merger and Acquisition Cases - Essay Example A merger occurs when two firms integrate their skills and acumen with each other to take advantage of business opportunities or sidestep threats. Sometimes the decision to merge can be to increase size due to legal e.g. capital requirements, or to acquire efficiencies, talents or market access in a totally different but complementary field of business endeavor. In an acquisition, however, one firm is bought outright by another for a price that may be made public or disclosed to only the stakeholders and the relevant Government authorities. It is clear that both firms should get something out of the corporate deal or the effects are not long lasting. Indeed it has been noticed that many participant workers and managers are found ruing the past when things were much simpler and better- however they are forced to deal with the situation ‘as is now’ and have put in too much effort to unwind the deal again. One acquisition that took place in the healthcare industry between Se ptember-October 2010 was that of ZymoGenetics, Inc. being bought by Bristol Myers Squibb (BMS) for US$885 Million. With this acquisition, BMS hoped that it would gain inroads into the fight against cancer, hepatitis C, and other diseases for which ZymoGenetics already had some research products in the pipeline.

Technology-HSBC Case Study Essay Example for Free

Technology-HSBC Case Study Essay How has the company chosen to improve its knowledge of customers and therefore its decision making? Analyze the management, organization, and technology dimensions of the solution. HSBC, as with other banks, took advantage of many poor consumers looking to own their own home. These consumers had low credit scores, are in default or have low income, which means there was a higher probability of them not paying back the loan. These banks took advantage by not explaining the entire process of how the amount will double and the interest rate will become adjustable after a couple years. This led to many subprime mortgage loan holders to not meet payments and eventually lose their home. Because of this HSBC was one of the first banks â€Å"announce a billion dollar write-off linked to its exposure to subprime mortgages. † (Modell) HSBC improved one way by advancing their technology. Data is collected and sent to one team of specialized individuals who make sure that all is correct for approval. HSBC also implemented a new process using Experian-Scorex decision support software. This new software will help HSBC with their decision making process. It â€Å"allows HSBC to identify the value of each customer and create tailored product packages. † (Finextra) George Lennox, a senior manager at HSBC, stated â€Å"Strategy Management will undoubtedly become an integral part of our business and we expect that it will make more than 50 billion customer decisions annually for us as we roll it out across our global business. (Finextra) They have also decided that customer satisfaction and building trust is more important than profit. Did HSBC choose the best solution? Explain your answer. HSBC chose a great solution. They allowed almost anyone to obtain a loan as long as they met some requirements. By using the new strategy management software they implemented, they will be able to make sure that each customer looking for services are eligible and able to keep the services. Explore HSBC . Does this Web site provide opportunities for HSBC to gather data about its customers? Describe the customer data collected at the Web site and explain how that data can be used to improve its business performance. Would you redesign the Web site to increase interactions with customers? I explored HSBCPremier, where they gave lots of information on how I can save money for my family, for example a college fund or saving for my child’s first car. HSBC requests lots of information mostly general such as name, date of birth, social security number and driver’s license number. But they also request other information such as any current loans or mortgages, and for instant funding you need to provide them with your current banking information. By collecting all this information, it gives HSBC the right tools to be able to assist customers with great satisfaction. HSBC has requirements linked to all their services. They want to service customers in the best way so they use the information collected to give customers the best service. I would not redesign the entire website. It seems pretty clear to me that not only do they give much information on each product and service they provide, but you are able to contact a representative who will clearly interpret anything you don’t understand. But one feature that I would add is in the â€Å"contact us† section, an option to chat with a live operator. This will allow customers to chat online with a representative about services without having to call on phone or go to a location. HSBC had decision making tools in place prior to the subprime meltdown. Why would you think they missed or ignored the potential catastrophic consequences that became reality? What added value would the new Experian-Scorex software provide? HSBC was looking to expand in the U. S. With the rise of consumers looking to become homeowners, as a business your first instinct is to get in the game and increase profits. I believe that HSBC only wanted to grow and help customers, but due to not being psychics and knowing that the market would crash and people would lose jobs and not be able to pay back loans, they lost in that game. When you have lenders not collecting the right information on consumers to help predict if they are able to pay the loan or not and not explaining the loan correctly to consumers, it causes conflicts. Consumers did not really understand the loans; they just knew they would become homeowners. Subprime loans are the worst, to me. Who wants to pay back 10 times what their home is actually worth? The new Experian-Scorex software will provide great value to HSBC’s strategy management. This new system will collect information and will help HSBC in their credit decisions. â€Å"George Lennox, Senior Manager, Group Credit and Risk at HSBC: As one of the worlds leading financial organizations, it is important to us that we make use of leading edge decision support technology. † (Experian) By implementing this new technology, HSBC will better assist their new and existing customers.

The Spread of Television in 1950s, in America Essay -- Television

The ‘Golden Age of Television’ is what many refer to as the period between the 1950s and 60s when the television began to establish itself as a prevalent medium in the United States. In 1947, the American Broadcasting Company (ABC), Columbia Broadcasting System (CBS), the National Broadcasting Company (NBC), and the Du Mont Network were the four main television networks that ran stations with regular programming taking place. (Television, 2003) While regular television programming was a new innovation, the television itself had been commercially available for over twenty years prior to the 50s. It was conceived by many worldly innovators and went through several testing stages before it was finally completed in the late twenties. The three main innovators were Niplow - who first developed a rotating disk with small holes arranged in a spiral pattern in 1884, Zworykin - who developed the Iconoscope which could scan pictures and break them into electronic signals (a primi tive form of the Cathode Ray Tube) in 1923, and lastly Fansworth - who demonstrated for the first time that it was possible to transmit an electrical image in 1927. (Rollo, 2011) However, one of the many reasons why this medium was successful in the 50s was due to the fact that it became more accessible to the public. Television sets were more affordable to middle class citizens which created further interest in the new technology. Through an historical account of the medium, the spread of television across America throughout this particular decade will be examined. Firstly, for the purposes of illustrating the cultural context of this decade, I will refer to Lynn Spigel’s writing entitled â€Å"Welcome to the Dreamhouse: Popular Media and Postwar Suburb†. After WWII... ...t has not stopped television from being one of the most successful mediums for the dissemination of information. Works Cited Paul S. Boyer. "Television." The Oxford Companion to United States History. 2001. Retrieved November 24, 2011 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O119-Television.html Bretz, Rudy , 1957 â€Å"Video Tape: A TV Revolution† The Quarterly of Film Radio and Television , Vol. 11, No. 4 pp. 399-415 Published by: University of California Press Article Stable URL: www.jstor.org/stable/1210000 Ganzel, Bill. (2007). Television during the 1950s and 60s. Retrieved from http://www.livinghistoryfarm.org/farminginthe50s/life_17.html Rollo, Mike. 2011  ¬Ã¢â‚¬Å"Video History† Film/Video I Lecture Notes Spigel, Lynn. 2001 Welcome to the dreamhouse : popular media and postwar suburbs / Lynn Spigel Duke University Press, Durham, N.C. :

Convergence Projects Fasb and Iasb

What are the convergence projects between FASB and IASB? What are their major problems? What are their major achievements? The Norwalk Agreement, first announced on September of 2002, was a paramount step towards a unified global accounting standard. In this document, both U. S. Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) and the International Accounting Standards Boards (IASB) (the Boards) â€Å"each acknowledge their commitments to the development of high quality, compatible accounting standards that could be used for both domestic and cross-border financial reporting. (MoU Progress Report, 2008) In 2006, and subsequently updated in 2008, the boards agreed on a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) which detailed the short and long-term convergence projects â€Å"that would bring the most significant improvements to International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) and U. S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (US GAAP). † (IASB-FASB, 2012). While many of the short-term a nd long-term convergence projects have been completed, currently, the boards have yet to finalize all of the technical pronouncements regarding Financial Instruments, Revenue recognition, and Leases.Herein, I will discuss the purpose of the convergence projects, their major problems they face and their major achievements to date. The purpose of the convergence of accounting standards is to have a single set of globally accepted accounting standards where understandability, relevancy, reliability, and comparability across multinational borders are faithfully represented, and credible. Convergence refers to the increase in the comparability of different entities’ financial reports, which will contribute to the free flow of global investment and benefit a variety of stakeholders (i. e. , investors, corporates and auditors) (PWC, 2007).Additionally, to simplify and reduce the â€Å"administrative burden on multinational reporting entities† (FASB Attachment F, 2004), and â €Å"improve the ability of investors to compare investments on a global basis and thus lower their risk of errors of judgment. † (PWC, 2007) â€Å"The goal, in brief, is an improved reporting model built on principle-based standards that can be applied in a cost-effective manner. † (PWC, 2007). Convergence would be achieved by the Boards adopting mutually accepted, high-quality standards where homogeneity and transparency are being applied internationally, leading to a firm global capital markets. From inception, onvergence was initially slated to be completed by 2008, and then revised to June of 2011; however, setbacks currently place the timetable for the remaining convergence projects to mid-2013. Opponents of the adoption of IFRS have questioned whether IFRS would truly create a platform of standardization where comparability is evenly distributed. They point to the â€Å"variations of IFRS and the reliance on professional judgment when using the principles-based standards. † (AICPA, 2009) As a matter of fact, empirical data demonstrates this to be true as the legal environment, and most importantly, cultures, play a role in interpretations.An analysis from 2007 â€Å"shows that U. S. accountants consistently exhibit more conservatism than Greek accountants†, with the former â€Å"less likely to disclose information than U. S. Accountants. † (Tsakumis, 2007) And more recently, a new study completed by Cass Business School at the City University of London, identified â€Å"inconsistencies in compliance with certain impairment disclosure requirements across jurisdictions in Europe, which suggested that IFRS are not being evenly applied across jurisdictions. (Siac, 2013) Over time, there is a high possibility these situations will lead IFRS to become rules-based, defeating the purpose of flexibility in which IFRS standards affords its constituents. Furthermore, as a result of disagreements with certain standards, â€Å"som e convergence projects either were discontinued or resulted in different IASB and FASB standards† (Pacter, 2013) For example, research and development (R&D) was not converged as all R&D is expensed under U. S. GAAP while some development costs are capitalized under IAS 38.Another challenge convergence faces is the fact that under IFRS, there are little industry-specific standards, which has led many commentators to voice â€Å"concerns about how IFRS would impact their particular industry† (AICPA, 2009). Other critics have voiced concerns regarding the uncertainty surrounding funding for the IASB as it’s â€Å"largely funded through voluntary contributions from a wide variety of participants across the world’s capital markets. The concern with that model is that it leaves the IASB open to the perception that organizations that provide funding could try to influence the accounting standards† (SIAC, 2012).This observation questions whether there is tr ue independence of the IASB and the integrity of its standard-setting process. But it hasn’t all been dark clouds; there have been quite a few bright spots through the convergence projects. For example, in November 2007 an important milestone was achieved when â€Å"the U. S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) agreed to accept from foreign private issuers financial statements prepared in accordance with IFRS without reconciliation to U. S. GAAP. † (AICPA, 2009).Moreover, major achievements have been attained in convergence completion of short-term projects along the overwhelming support of the international community and stakeholders who wish to have ease of comparability cross-borders. The G-20 group, comprising of 85% of global gross national product, have â€Å"called for the implementation of a globally consistent set of accounting standards. † (Gornik-Showerman, 2010). Today, IFRS is used in over 100 countries, and approximately 40% of Global Fortune 500 companies currently use IFRS which is a testament to its high-quality standards and success in influencing global capital markets.In conclusion, global convergence has had major victories in attaining a globally accepted accounting standards, but it still has a few challenges ahead, specifically the SEC, who acknowledges IFRS is of high quality, but does not seem to think that the solution is the adoption of IFRS, but rather adopting some of its provisions. The SECs mindset defeats the purpose of globally set standards, which will lead IFRS and U. S GAAP to have their own separate standards with numerous similarities.In my opinion, there are too many variables in play that are uncontrollable, as we are dealing with human beings who are raised differently, with different role models, ethics, and are part of various societies where cultures influence their way of being. I do not feel there can be one globally accepted accounting standards as it is impossible to account for every s ingle world-wide business transaction, or to predict what other standards will need to be established globally as economies change due to recessions, wars, and politics. References: American Institute of Certified Public Accountants.April, 2009. Where Will the SEC Take the IFRS Roadmap? An AICPA Analysis of Comment Letters on the SEC's Proposal. Available from: http://www. ifrs. com/updates/aicpa/IFRS_SEC. html Completing the February 2006 memorandum of Understanding: A progress report and timetable for completion, September 2008. Available from: http://www. fasb. org/cs/BlobServer? blobkey=id;blobwhere=1175819018778;blobheader=application%2Fpdf;blobcol=urldata;blobtable=MungoBlobs Financial Accounting Standards Advisory Council. March 2004. Short-term International convergence.Available from: http://www. fasb. org/cs/BlobServer? blobkey=id;blobwhere=1175818823449;blobheader=application%2Fpdf;blobcol=urldata;blobtable=MungoBlobs George T. Tsakumis. 2007. The Influence of culture on accountants’ application of financial reporting rules ABACUS, Vol. 43, No. 1. Gornik-Tomaszewski, Sylwia ; Showerman, Stebe. March 22, 2010. IFRS in the United States: Challenges and Opportunities. Review of Business. St. John’s University, College of Business Administration Hans Hoogervorst ; Leslie F. Seidman. April 4, 2012.IASB-FASB Update Report to the FSB Plenary on Accounting Convergence Ken Ty Siac. January 25, 2013. Study by UK researchers shows inconsistency in IFRS application. Journal of Accountancy. Ken Ty Siac. September, 2012. Still in flux: Future of IFRS in U. S. remains unclear after SEC report. Journal of Accountancy. Paul Pacter, CPA, PH. D. February, 2013. What have IASB and FASB convergence efforts achieved. Journal of Accountancy. PricewaterhouseCoopers. April, 2007. Viewpoint- Convergence of IFRS and US GAAP. Available from:http://www. pwc. ch/user_content/editor/files/publ_ass/pwc_viewpoint_0704_e. pdf

Women in Sports

In today’s society women are not allowed to play baseball with men due to patriarchal myths and misconceptions that have been around since the emergence of baseball in America. All women should be able to play baseball with men and there is no legitimate reason why they shouldn't. Women are physically, mentally, and emotionally capable of playing baseball just as men are. With that being said their biological sex or gender should not and does not affect their ability to play baseball in the company of men. In addition their sex should not deem their athletic ability as inferior in comparison to men.Since the adoption of baseball as an American pastime, the sport of baseball has been cultivated and altered to amputate women exuding the masculinity of baseball. The emergence of baseball as popular and profitable sport has failed to acknowledge and highlight the athletic abilities women. Instead its conception has affirmed women to be fragile and it has also depicted women to not have the skills or talents to play and compete alongside men. There are numerous individuals who are opposed to fusion of women and men on the baseball field.These individuals use demeaning stereotypes and beliefs to support their claims. Often these claims are false and are not supported by factual or scientific data. For example these claims say that women are weaker than men, women are not physically capable of playing sports, or a woman's place is in the home rather than on the playing field. These claims have been in existence since the beginning of time and have filtered into the arena of baseball. These claims are used as agencies to enforce the superiority of men and the inferiority of women.Those who are opposed to the idea of men and women playing baseball together, often defend their argument with the belief that women are not physical capable of participating in sports. In addition they often entice the belief that women are more susceptible to injury than men. This is not a valid reason to exclude women and there is an abidance of research that refutes this claim. In addition to excluding women based on their sex, the sport of baseball is connected to racial segregation. It was believed that baseball was a white man's sport and only men who were white possessed the ability to play the sport.This ideology has filtered into present society, resulting in a few number of African Americans or people of color who participate in the sport. With that being said race is absolutely a factor in whether or not women can play baseball with men. Women who are not white are seen as inferior and they are not expected to be successful in playing baseball. There are great deal of stereotypes that surround race and a person's athletic ability. These stereotypes have been around since the â€Å"Americanization† of baseball and traces of them are still evident today.Physical size and strength, the possibility of injuries, and the color of one's skin have been used as strong reasons to prohibit women and girls from entering the world of baseball, all of these claims are absurd and false, these issues should not just be associated women due to their biological sex. Women regardless of race are just as capable as men to participate in the sport of baseball. We can alleviate and erase these myths surrounding the inferiority of women and the superiority of men in the arena of sports.To solve this problem we must start early, we must preparing girls early to have the ability and skill to play baseball amongst their male counterparts. Girls are often shunned away from little league games due to the toughness, manliness, or the possibility of becoming a tomboy. In addition, it is argued that girls would get hurt playing baseball and boys would quit the team. (Ring, 2009, p. 121) The idea that girls and boys don't share the same physical abilities in conjunction with excluding girls for their protection are often used a tools to keep girls from p laying boys.Girls are expected to play the feminine version of baseball, which was constructed to limit the physical capacities of women and girls and to prevent them from acting in a manly of masculine manner. It is commonly believed that boys are better suit for playing sports and girls are not regarding their physical capabilities. There are minimal differences in the physical development of boys and girls. Boys and girls are commonly equal regarding their physical capabilities, except that boys have greater forearm strength and girls have a greater range of flexibility. With the proper training or practice these differences can be reduced.It is also argued that girls are more susceptible to injury than boys and that their bones are not as strong as boys. The claim is just as false as the others that are used to exclude girls or women from baseball. According to Dr. Joseph Trog, â€Å"any age disparity in bone strength was negligible between the ages of ages of eight and twelve, and if anything, girl's bones tend to be more resistant to breakage than boys. â€Å"(Ring, 2009, p. 123) If girls are allowed to begin training at an early age there should not be any reason why girls and women should be prohibited from competing and playing amongst men.There are barely any developmental differences between young boys or girls and if there are they can be easily overcome with proper training. â€Å"The real difference in sizes and strength show up by the middle of high school, when boys and girls are fifteen or sixteen years old. † (Ring, 2009, p. 149) This refutes the belief that young girls and boys cannot play sports together due the so called differences in their physical capabilities. If individuals who are opposed actually did research instead relying on false claims they would see that there is no legitimate reason to separate boys and girls regarding differences in physicality.Instead of playing baseball girls and women are expected to play softbal l, which is seen as inferior with respect to baseball. The association of women and softball was thought to alleviate the issue of women playing baseball with men, â€Å"It served the purpose, so much on the minds of turn-of-the-century health and education experts, of providing women with safe, nonviolent way to get exercise, and it removed the threat to baseball of contamination by female participation. â€Å"(Ring, 2009, p. 60) This exhibited the fear of men regarding women playing baseball along with them.It wasn't that women were not physically capable of sharing the field with men, they were afraid of women taking the spotlight. With that being said, we need to start modeling our young girls into the wonderful and talented baseball players that they can be, instead of allowing them to settle for sport that was developed to limit their physical capabilities. I am not by any means suggesting that girls should not play softball because some women may be comfortable playing amon gst the ranks of men.I am saying that would limit those who are interesting in playing baseball. Once a woman has surpassed the collegiate level of softball, she is not able to pursue a higher level of success in softball. The only option is the major or minor leagues which solely based of baseball. It would be extremely difficult for softball players to revert to playing baseball. The sport of softball requires just as much skill and dedication as baseball and sadly they are segregated by gender with one being superior and the other inferior.Physical size and strength are not factors in the whether or not a woman is capable of playing baseball among men. Women of any size and strength who has the proper training and dedication for the sport of baseball are just as able as any man to play the sport. Individuals opposed to women sharing the field often use the excuses that women are not as strong as men and smaller them as well. They often associate women with weakness with women, as said before with the proper training and skill women are just able as men to play baseball.With that being said women can participate in the same training programs as men and receive the same results in strength gains. According to the National Strength and Conditioning Association, a women's absolute strength is less than that of a men's, but if strength is expressed relative to fat free mass or muscle cross sectional area the difference is greatly reduced or nonexistent. (Kramer, 2004) Although there are many myths circulating that men are significantly stronger than women, scientific studies repudiate those myths.Training programs need not to be different or toned down to perpetuate the notion that women are weaker than men and that they should play separately, and train according to different guidelines. According to Robert Conatser who is a certified athletic trainer and certified strength and conditioning specialist with a master's degree in athletic training believes that tr aining and experience would make it possible for some women to succeed at the integrated game. Ring, 2006, p 148) In addition, critics of baseball often claim that a woman’s naturally small stature in comparison to most men will inhibit their success in baseball. Individuals often associate a woman's size with weakness and this feeds this belief that women are not capable of playing with men. Women who are smaller than men are just as capable if not more of performing well in the sport. In the case of baseball, size is not a factor nor is gender or sex. The performance standards of baseball should solely be based on performance and technique.On average, males are 10 to 15 percent larger in physical stature than women. (Ring, 2009, p. 149) In my opinion this is not a substantial difference between the two and therefore size should not be a factor in baseball performance. The occurrences of injuries are negatively associated with women and are used as excuses to exclude women f rom playing baseball alongside mean. According to Robert Conaster, â€Å"Part of the resistance to letting women play with men is injury prevention. † (Ring, 2009, p. 48) It is obvious that most women are smaller than men, and if injury occurs due to a collision the woman is going to be more susceptible to an injury, but that is a risk taken. I feel as though the occurrence of an injury is possible with any sport regardless of gender or size, no one is safe from any injury. Critics often say that a woman’s bones are weaker than men making her prone to the occurrence of an injury as the result of a possible collision while playing baseball. That is also used as a form of resistance to suggest that women should not play with men. Even if a women were smaller than a man, if she strong or well conditioned her muscles would protect her bones in a collision just as a man's would. † (Ring, 2009, p. 149) This supports my reasoning why women should be allowed to play with men, if they train properly, possess the skills to perform the sport well, and exhibit dedication passion there should be no liable reasons to deny them the opportunities to playing with men. â€Å"Breaking a bone is not a predictable event: it has much to do with specifics of a hit, regardless of whether the player involved is a man or a women. Ring, 2009, p. 149) It takes skill, talent, passion and sometimes luck to prevent the occurrence of any injury, For example, â€Å"The ability of a pitcher to avoid injury from a line driven streaming at him or her from sixty feet away is the result of training, reflexes, not gender. (Ring, 2009, 149) There are so many ways to get around the myth that women are incapable of playing men as result of their gender, but a as a culture we have trained to associate men with strength and power and women with weakness and submissiveness.The success or ability in a specified sport is reflection of dedication, skill, talent, and passion refuting th e idea that its related to one's chromosomes. Baseball is immersed in a great deal with discrimination, in addition to someone being ostracized based on their gender; individuals are marginalized due to the color of their skin. The sport of baseball since its inception as an American passed time has excluded those who were not white or male. This made it difficult for both women and people of color to participate in the beloved sport.Although there were separate leagues they did not receive the same praise or respect as players who were white, instead they were seen as inferiors or alternatives. With that being said race is affects whether or not women play baseball with men and it has been an issue since its rebirth in America. Race is used another form of exclusion or definitive mark of superiority. Just as woman's biological characteristics were used a weapons of exclusion, race is used as well. These reasons are supported by the cultivation of seasoned stereotypes.For example Af rican Americans are expected to be fast and only perform well as basketball players or track stars, it is often said that baseball is not suited for African Americans. Currently there is absence of women of color within teams that are only for women, this was also relevant during the Americanization of baseball. African Americans were not allowed to play among white women and they had to form their own teams. African American women and other women of color were hit a double whammy, there were not allowed discriminated against as a result of their gender and their ethnicity as well.Race is a strong determinant in whether or not a woman participates in baseball. If women were allowed to play baseball among men, there would still be an absence of women of color. Women of color are not socially expected to play baseball and they are not expected to be good at baseball. This results in the limit or absence of women of color in baseball, thus causing disparities regarding race in baseball . Therefore there is a lack of women of color sharing the field with men and white women. I think white women would be accepted more than women of color if given the opportunity to share the field with men.Besides, due to the low number of women of color participating baseball will limit the integration of women of color and men. It is widely believed that if women were allowed to play baseball with there would be a shortage of available positions for men. I feel as though women wouldn't affect the opportunities for men to play. Individuals who are capable of performing a particular position as desired should be able to play regardless of their gender and those of the opposite sex should not feel threatened especially if they are on the same team.An individual’s talents or abilities should not be labeled by their gender, especially in the case of women. Men are threatened by a woman who may perform a sport better than them and often use the excuse that women are taking their positions. Would man say to his male counterpart who just happened to be more sufficient for a particular position, I would have to say no. The integration of women and me on the baseball field does not limit the opportunities for men. If a man performs a certain position better than a woman then the man should take the field or vice versa.Skill and technique should be the only determining factors not one's gender. Women are shunned away from baseball and are provided limited opportunities to share the field with me. Our society has developed many stereotypes and ideals to keep women out of the realm of baseball, these ideals are supported by numerous arguments, most of which are completely false. Since the evolution of baseball in America women have been seen as subordinate species regarding baseball and their abilities. In addition a lot of talented female baseball players have not acknowledged in history.Their accomplishments have been diminished by feminizing remarks, these wome n are not respected. It is widely accepted that women and baseball are not compatible especially regarding the integration with men. These stereotypes and beliefs have been lingering around for centuries; it is about time they are erased. Women should no longer be denied to play and be successful at baseball, we as a culture need to uplift and support women who want to play baseball alongside their male counterparts. Women are very capable of playing baseball with men, sciences proves it and the talented women who look to play baseball exhibit it.

Word Choice Compliment vs. Complement

Word Choice Compliment vs. Complement Word Choice: Compliment vs. Complement Tom Selleck has beautiful eyes. We know that’s a little weird for an opening sentence in a proofreading blogpost, but we needed to illustrate what a â€Å"compliment† is. And partly we’re hoping Tom Selleck googles himself and reads this. We love Tom Selleck. Just look at that gorgeous specimen. Anyway, back to work. Today we’re discussing the difference between â€Å"compliment† and â€Å"complement.† Given their similarity in spelling and pronunciation, it’s understandable that these terms are confused sometimes. Yet each word has a distinct meaning, so it’s important to use them properly in your written work. Compliment/Complimentary As indicated above, a â€Å"compliment† is an expression of praise or approval: When I met Tom Selleck, I complimented him on his bushy mustache. He shampoos it every day. [Photo: Alan Light]This sense of â€Å"compliment† can be used either as a noun when referring to the praise itself, or as a verb when referring to the act of expressing praise. Meanwhile, the adjective â€Å"complimentary† has two meanings. One is to describe something or someone as having expressed admiration: After we were done talking, Tom Selleck thanked me for being complimentary. The other is to describe something as having been provided without charge or as a courtesy: I offered Tom Selleck the complimentary chocolate from my hotel room, but he declined. Complement/Complementary The verb â€Å"complement† means to â€Å"add to† or â€Å"enhance† something by making it more complete or effective: Tom Selleck’s sunglasses perfectly complement his Hawaiian shirt. Something which â€Å"complements† something else in this way can be described as a â€Å"complement.† Sometimes â€Å"complement† is also used as a noun meaning â€Å"the number of something required for a full set†: I wanted to go to Tom Selleck’s party, but he said they had a full complement of guests. The adjective â€Å"complementary† has the sense of â€Å"adding to† or â€Å"enhancing† something, and is used when describing two things that are useful or attractive together: The complementary combination of good looks and charisma made Tom Selleck one of the most popular TV actors of the 1980s. Also, he was in Three Men and a Baby. [Photo: Georges Biard] Compliment or Complement? Whether or not you’re intending to praise Tom Selleck, it’s essential to know the difference between â€Å"compliment† and â€Å"complement.† Remember: Compliment = Praise Complement = Add to/make complete The exception here is when â€Å"complimentary† means â€Å"free† or â€Å"as a courtesy,† as this isn’t directly related to praise. But as long as you can remember this general rule, you should be able to avoid confusions in your written work.

Cloud Ingredients and Formation

Cloud Ingredients and Formation We all know what clouds are- visible collections of tiny water droplets (or ice crystals if its cold enough) that live high in the atmosphere above the Earths surface. But do you know how a cloud forms? In able for a cloud to form, several ingredients must be in place: watercooling air temperaturea surface to form on (nuclei) Once these ingredients are in place, they follow this process to form a cloud: Step 1: Change Water Vapor into Liquid Water Although we cant see it, the first ingredient water is always present in the atmosphere as  water vapor (a gas). But in order to grow a cloud, we need to get the water vapor from a gas to its liquid form. Clouds begin to form when a parcel of air rises from the surface up into the atmosphere. (Air does this in a number of ways, including being lifted up mountainsides, lifted up weather fronts, and being pushed together by converging air masses.) As the parcel ascends, it passes through lower and lower pressure levels (since pressure decreases with height). Recall that air tends to move from higher to lower pressure areas, so as the parcel travels into lower pressure areas, the air inside of it pushes outward, causing it to expand. It takes heat energy for this expansion to take place, and so the air parcel cools a bit. The further upward the air parcel travels, the more it cools. Cool air cant hold as much water vapor as warm air, so when its temperature cools down to the dew point temperature, the water vapor inside of the parcel becomes saturated (its relative humidity equals 100%) and ​condenses into droplets of liquid water. But by themselves, water molecules are too small to stick together and form cloud droplets. They need a larger, flatter surface on which they can collect. Step 2: Give Water Something to Sit on (Nuclei) In able for water droplets to form cloud droplets,  they must have something- some surface- to condense  on. Those somethings are tiny particles known as aerosols or  condensation nuclei. Just like the nucleus is the core or center of a cell in biology, cloud nuclei, are the centers of cloud droplets, and it is from this that they take their name. (Thats right, every cloud has a speck of dirt, dust, or salt at its center!) Cloud nuclei are solid particles like dust, pollen, dirt, smoke (from  forest fires, car exhaust, volcanoes, and coal-burning furnaces, etc.), and sea salt (from breaking ocean waves)  that are suspended in the air thanks to Mother Nature and us humans who put them there. Other particles in the atmosphere, including bacteria, can also play a role in serving as condensation nuclei. While we usually think of them as pollutants, they serve a key role in growing clouds because theyre hygroscopic- they attract water molecules. Step 3: A Cloud is Born! It is at this point- when water vapor condenses and settles onto condensation nuclei- that clouds form and become visible. (Thats right, every cloud has a speck of dirt, dust, or salt at its center!) Newly formed clouds will often have crisp, well-defined edges. The type of cloud and altitude (low, middle, or high) it forms at is determined by the level where an air parcel becomes saturated. This level changes based on things like temperature, dew point temperature, and how fast or slow the parcel cools with increasing elevation, known as lapse rate. What Makes Clouds Dissipate? If clouds form when water vapor cools and condenses, it only makes sense that they dissipate when the opposite happens- that is, when the air warms and evaporates. How does this happen? Because the atmosphere is always in motion, drier air follows behind the rising air so that both condensation and evaporation continually occur. When theres more evaporation taking place than condensation, the cloud will return once again become invisible moisture. Now that you know how clouds form in the atmosphere, learn to simulate cloud formation by making a cloud in a bottle. Edited by Tiffany Means

Discuss the strengths and weaknesses of qualitative and quantitative Essay

Discuss the strengths and weaknesses of qualitative and quantitative research methodologies; identify the major characteristics of both methodologies - Essay Example A research method that includes the collection of words and illustration through the text comes under the research methodology called as qualitative research method. It does not include the numerical values for elaboration of the research approach (Miles and Huberman, 1994). The investigation of real-time study of scenario is the best way to understand the related positive and negative aspects (Cresswell, 2009). The qualitative research methodology presents a huge related textual material regarding the concerned matter. The views and beliefs of different authors from the literature are presented in quantitative research method. Also the actual field study results and views are generated and compared to other practitioners that leads towards the final wording about the underlying challenges. The real world scenarios are studied under this method and presented in a theoretical form. In the qualitative research method, less number of respondents are found, because each of them has to pay his/her time for conducting the survey prepared by the qualitative research analyst. It consumes time of another person for gathering the information. Without having the knowledge of field persons, only literature is not enough to understand the phenomena that cannot produce the exact outcome of the concerned matter. The selected individuals have to answer the open ended questions, which take much time as compared to close ended queries. The qualitative analysis uses different kinds of techniques for the collection of data (Cresswell, 2009). The assessment of data through the numerical values comes under the definition of quantitative research methodology. The results generation procedure is composed of tables, graphical presentation, and statistical analysis (BSBA, 2012). The quantitative research methodology requires proper procedure for sampling. All collected results regarding a single question is measured numerically and statistical analysis is performed for

Capstone Paper Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Capstone Paper - Essay Example The perceptions and norms of society by voters influence their economic performance through affecting policies endorsed by politicians. The Americans value equality of political voice and democracy, while China and Russia tend to prefer socialistic values of communism. Russia’s transition to capitalism has been arduous, while China has undoubtedly embraced capitalism although retain their collectivistic ideologies. This paper will discuss the American, Russian, and Chinese societies within the context of political and economic system. The paper will elaborate on how political, economic, and other ideologies in these societies affect the three societies. The US economic ideologies are blend of capitalism and socialism although the vast continuum of social programs does not conform purely to capitalistic ideologies (Harshaw 1). The Americans tend to value equal political voice and democracy. In fact, the US is aggressively engaged in promoting democracy abroad. Such values are under increased threat amid persistent and increasing inequalities. The disparities in income, wealth, and opportunities are growing more steeply in the US than any other country in the world, with racial and ethnic disparities persisting. The realization of American democratic ideals seemed to have halted, and reversed in some areas. The Civil Rights revolution during the 1950s and 1960s made racial discrimination and exclusion to be socially and legally unacceptable in the American society. This resulted in widespread harmonious participation of whites and blacks in institutions of learning, employment, as well as all forms of civic and political organization s. This revolution has led to recognition of rights of women, with American currently accessing most of same political and economic opportunities as men do. The historically marginalized groups have also acquired rights to full participation within American institutions and tend to demand and enjoy the

Independent Learning Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Independent Learning - Essay Example The process of integrating the learners into the education system allows them to  start  connecting with the outside world. Therefore, they have the ability to  learn  and think for themselves, and not wait for their teachers. Independent learning abilities are an  indispensable  training  for life and for  change  to, and success in, occupational,  college  or higher  learning  courses. Independent learning skills  support  students’  capability  in assessing, recording and reflecting on their education.  Steinberg and Davidson (2005: p467)  state  that also  promote  independence in organization, decision-making and problem-solving.  Nonetheless, they take time to  institute  and, for several students, require  premeditated  modeling and teaching. Therefore, if students are to become actively engaged in increasing their  autonomy  in their  personal  education, they must first of all  gain  the  aptitude   to learn how to  study. A supportive  setting  that permits students to learn from errors and  develop  about their successes is a  prerequisite. Ideally, such  ability  building will be in progress  early  and  continuous  throughout a  person's  learning  (Cooper, Kiger, Robinson and Slanky, 2011: p65).... Fulfilling such requirements is satisfying in itself, and such rewards  uphold  learning successfully than do grades.   Therefore, teachers may  design  in-class activities, assignments, and  discussion  queries to  tackle  these types of requirements. The teachers should  make  learners active participants in education. Students learn by making, designing, doing, creating, writing, and solving.  Passive learning dampens learners' enthusiasm and inquisitiveness.  Teachers  are supposed  to  pose  questions, and not  inform  students something when they can  ask  them. Furthermore, they ought to  encourage  students to  propose  approaches to a quandary or to  speculate  the outcome of an experiment. The students may be divided into small groups, encouraging interaction and sharing their different ideas on the subject. Research has revealed that an  educator's expectations have an  influential  consequence on a student's perf ormance.  Thus, if a teacher acts as though he expects  motivation,  interest  and hard work from his students in the course, they are more likely to be so.  The teachers need to  set  practical  expectations for learners when they  grade  examinations, give presentations,  formulate  assignments and  conduct  discussions. "Practical" in this perspective means that the teacher’s standards are  high  enough to  inspire  learners to  do  their most  excellent  work but not so high that learners will predictably be discouraged in attempting to meet those expectations. To build up the  drive  to achieve; learners must  believe  that  realization  is possible, which means that the teacher needs to  present  early prospects for success. Teachers should  assist  students in setting achievable objectives for themselves.

President of the English Department Student Association Essay Example for Free

President of the English Department Student Association Essay â€Å"There is no student incapable of learning, only teachers incapable of instruction. † I became particularly enamored of this statement during my fourth year teaching. To raise the caliber of my instruction, to reside in a new cultural environment and broaden my horizons, and to facilitate a sincere desire to aid student development, I am laying down my comfortable and secure government position to apply for entrance to your Master’s program in TESOL for the Fall semester of 2001. I have always had an excellent academic performance at school, but unlike those who only have good grades, I also understood the significance of leading a well-rounded student life. Not only have I participated in many different kinds of activities and competitions, but I have also held various part-time jobs with the result my life experience is far richer than my peers. A particular benefit of this is that I am more tolerant and understanding of others and appreciative of the strengths peculiar to individuals. My parents are both secondary school teachers, and they place great emphasis on children’s reading development. Thus we siblings all cultivated good learning habits. Therefore, during my undergraduate years, I was in the habit of fully previewing reading material that professors assigned before giving lectures, in addition to the usual taking of notes. I also made full use of library services and materials to supplement my reading. As a result, in both linguistics and literature, I consistently earned good grades and tended to be a more creative student. I graduated from college as the number one government-sponsored student in my graduating class (there were 25 of us) and won a large number of scholarships in the process. Although I work hard at whatever I do, I have always been generous sharing the fruits of my efforts with others. Scholastic performance is naturally important, but the mutual learning process inspired by sharing one’s knowledge and experiences with others is even more important. Through my teaching, I hope to inculcate students with a similar attitude and inspire them to base their self-assurance on themselves and not look for it from others. In addition to strictly academic pursuits, I participated in many societies and organizations, playing many leading roles. I held several interesting part-time positions such as Stage Management Assistant for the Russian Sligo Ballet Dance Company, Campaign Assistant during the presidential election campaign for the now-ruling Democratic Progressive Party, and as Translator for the 1994 Taipei International Toy Show in World Trade Center. On campus I was the Editor for departmental publications and President of the English Department Student Association. Also, I was the stage lighting supervisor for my graduating year’s public drama performance. The most important event I worked on was as a school representative helping organize and setup the National Alumni Association of Senior High Schools in Hsinchu. Under our efforts, it became an official association recognized and sponsored by the Hsinchu City Government. Speaking of sports, I enjoy volleyball and badminton very much. Thus, I was assigned to be the school badminton club instructor as part of my teaching practice. Also worth mentioning is that I was a volunteer instructor at two orphanages, giving those in need love and care. At junior high school, I was an advanced science student but on reaching high school I became really attached to popular music in general and the heavy metal genre in particular. My interest in reading lyric sheets prompted the discovery that the underlying concepts and cultural background of foreign and domestic music are often very different. This inspired me to transfer from the university science preparatory track to the study of English. Continuing to earn high grades, I attended the Department of English at Chang Hua University of Education on scholarship. My abiding interest in English ensured I was highly motivated but the well-chosen course materials also naturally engendered interest. In 1997, because of my good performance, I was assigned to Taipei Municipal Fu-Hsing Senior High School to complete my teaching practice. A year later, I became a certified English teacher and have been teaching there until now. During the past three years, I have taken one class of students through an entire three-year cycle of studies ending in graduation, and from this have noted that the dry nature of language studies unnecessarily renders this subject less than captivating to most students. Here in Taiwan, there is intense pressure on students facing the national college entrance examination with the result that grade school instruction focuses on grammar, as this is the prime subject tested by the exam. Fortunately, in the last several years Taiwan has been going through a transition period of educational reform and the stress has changed from the dull ritual of grammar studies to the more colorful participatory style of community language learning. Furthermore, high schools are now given more latitude tailoring programs to their needs, all of which represents a paradigm change from the Japanese educational style to the American which emphasizes personal development and independent thought. To achieve my potential as a teacher operating within this new and still developing system, I wish to study and research a variety of general teaching methodologies, in addition to linguistics teaching methodologies. Reviewing your catalogue, I have been very impressed with your curriculum, faculty, facilities, and overall academic environment. I have discovered your curriculum and developmental style is in great accord with my needs and, because your school is located in one of the world’s economic and cultural center, I expect it to offer both an outstanding curriculum and an exceptional environment for cultural immersion. Recently, preparing for the TOEFL and TSE, I have taken a great interest in assessing second language acquisition. The CLOZE Test and Reading Comprehension Test and other related preparatory tests are relatively disorganized and less than ideally effective at present. Thus I hope to make a concrete contribution to the improvement of this aspect of English language instruction upon my return. I believe I possess the enthusiasm and determination to successfully enhance my skills teaching English as a second language, but I also believe that self-improvement is the most important thing in my life. Only by setting myself up as an example, knowing my own strengths and weaknesses, and trying to improve myself, can I have the confidence to step up to a platform and teach students. After all, teaching is not only about inculcating students with a body of practical skills, but also about investing them with moral courage and character education during the process. As such, I make a point of ensuring I have spare time for my students after school and I thus find the progress of my students to be very fulfilling. Highly motivated, resolute, and more than willing to devote the time and effort to complete your program, I sincerely hope you will accept my candidacy. In closing, I would like to express my gratitude for your review of my application materials, and I thank you for your time.

Multilingualism on the Net :: Languages Technology Papers

Multilingualism on the Net What will be the effect of the Internet upon natural languages in the 21st century? It is widely accepted that, generally speaking, any new media change languages. For example, the prevalence of TV has dramatically homogenized spoken accents over the past few decades. Young people tend to speak in almost the same way as TV casters, and local dialects and accents remain only among the speech of older people. This TV effect, however, is insignificant as compared with the enormous effect of print media on languages over the past few hundred years. The prevailing print texts, especially newspapers etc., enabled millions of people who had never met each other to think about the same topics in the same language, thus creating a sort of community identity. This community identity was transformed into national identity, upon which in turn the nation-state was established, as discussed by political scientist Benedict Anderson [1]. Print languages are widely acknowledged as standard national languages, for which dictionaries are edited, and lessons are given in schools. On the other hand, other languages gradually declined. Since the market economy requires any printing business to have a certain amount of readers, print languages tend to be limited to so-called major languages spoken by millions of people. In short, the number of written languages on the earth decreased after the arrival of prin t media. What, then, will the arrival of the Internet bring about? ---- Roughly speaking, we can predict two distinct directions. The first one is English monopoly. The Internet has originated in the United States, and it is obvious that at present most international correspondence takes place in English. This is partly for the historical reason that the Internet has developed as a communication tool for the researchers of science and technology whose common language is English. Now general people in addition to science and technology researchers often utilize the Internet, but English is still the dominant language if one wants to look at foreign Web sites or send E-mail across state borders. Therefore there is the possibility that, sooner or later in the 21st century, English will become the sole common language for international communication, thereby accompanying the inescapable decline of other languages. In this case the term globalization means the hegemony of English-based, United Sta tes-centered single culture spreading all over the world. On the other hand, however, we may expect the second direction where various cultures in different countries thrive and interchange with each other, resulting in fruitful and plural global culture.

Why Is Reality T.V. so Popular?

Why Is Reality T. V. So Popular? It would be difficult to find an hour of the day when a reality television show isn’t on. What exactly is the appeal of reality television that has so many viewers completely hooked? Why has the popularity of reality TV spanned all socio-economic statuses, age groups, and education levels? Perhaps it’s the unscripted glimpse you get into other people’s lives that helps take the focus off present troubles, or makes everyone’s day to day lives seem a little less â€Å"crazy. Whatever it is that draws reality TV fans in, this fairly new phenomenon has certainly taken the entertainment industry by storm. Let’s take a look at some possible reasons the popularity of reality TV continues to grow. Voyeurism . It's the reason traffic backs up when there's a horrific car crash – we just want to look. Reality stars have the lack of embarrassment we often wish we had, but more often than not, are glad we don't. Admit it. In your head you've smacked a thousand snotty girls or meat headed guys across the face.We all dream of having an excuse to get into a fist fight, just to show what we've got. Well reality stars have found their excuse – the camera – and we'll keep watching as long as they've got punches to throw I don't think I'm taking a huge leap here by saying that reality TV stars aren't the sharpest tools in the shed. Let's remember that these are people who are knowingly exploiting their personal lives for a little cash and fifteen minutes of fame. Reality stars can, however, be depended upon for one thing.When a delicate situation arises, that requires proper judgment, clear thinking, and caution, reality stars will without failure, make the wrong choice. This is great for us because we can learn from them. We can learn what not to do in almost any situation, and their flagrant disregard for logic, can be our guiding light. Our daily lives require a lot of mental energy. Our j obs our stressful and challenging, and often our personal lives are even worse. Our minds are constantly being taxed and drained.Who wants to come home and escape by turning on entertainment with substance? I don't know about you, but after a long day of thinking, I can't handle substance. I want fluff – pure, unadulterated fluff. The less I have to think to understand what I'm watching the better, and luckily, reality TV requires no thought at all. The popularity of reality TV shouldn't come as a surprise considering the fact that we live in a culture that worships vanity, rather than virtue, and lives by the mantra of ‘He with the most toys lives,' rather than ‘He with the most joys lives. It's been said that circumstances don't make a man, they only reveal him. Likewise, reality TV is merely a reflection of what our society has become – a materialistically driven society where the love of power and money overcomes the power of love. It's a reflection of a society that is not only devoid of a solid wholesome value system, but is also separated from spiritual roots. It's also a culture that thrives on living on the edge, characterized by thrill-seeking and addictions.

Distribution and constiuents of fluids Essay

Constituents of body fluid – The human body consists mostly of water, and is a major constituent to the human body and vital organs; of this 90% include blood plasma, lymph, urine, saliva, digestive juices, bile, cerebrospinal fluid and tissue fluid. Water enables substances to be transported throughout the body, red blood cells for example, as wells as supplying the medium required for metabolic reaction to take place (respiration). Without water the progression of these fluids would not be possible. Water is constantly being transported between the fluid compartments of the body. Water has five main functions in the body, of which includes: ‘Cell life – distribute nutrients to cells i.e. vitamins, minerals and glucose Chemical and metabolic reactions – removal of waste products (toxins) from the organs Transport of nutrients – participates in the breakdown of food Body temperature regulation – water has a large heat capacity that allows it to help limit any changes to an individual’s body temperature in a certain environment. For example the release of heat when the surrounding temperature is higher than body temperature Elimination of waste’ Urea – Urea is an organic molecule made up of carbon, nitrogen, oxygen, and hydrogen. Urea is a common constituent of blood and other various bodily fluids, and is formed from ammonia in the kidney and liver. Ammonia is produced through the breakdown of proteins during tissue metabolism. Metabolic reactions that take place within the body can produce a surplus of amino acids of which can be converted into the waste product otherwise known  as urea through the process of deamination in the liver. Proteins obtained through an individual’s diet are broken down into amino acids. The excess amino acids made during this process are unable to be stored in the body as they can become toxic; therefore they would then have to be converted into a less toxic urea before ultimately being removed as a component of urine. Acids, bases and salt – Acids are a substance that has a pH less than 7. There are two different types of acid: Weak acid – An organic compound with a minimal amount of dissociated molecules Strong acid – An organic compound with a large amount of dissociated molecules Acids are a corrosive substance with a pH less than 7. Acidity is caused by a high concentration of hydrogen ions. Bases are a substance with a pH higher than 7, and have a high concentration of hydroxyl ions. Bases can react with acids in order to neutralise them in order to form salt and water. Bases are normally metal oxides or metal hydroxides. Sodium hydroxide for example is a base. Acids react with reactive metals in order to make a salt. Salts are a compound formed by the neutralisation of an acid by a base, for example metal oxide. This is a result of hydrogen atoms in an acid being replaced by positive ions. Bases that have are able to dissolve into water are known as alkalis. Sodium hydroxide is an alkali as it dissolves in water, copper oxide cannot dissolve water therefore is not an alkali. Hydrochloric acid is produced in the stomach, consisting of chloride and hydrogen. Carbonic acid is produced in red blood cells consisting of carbon dioxide and water, of which is why demanding exercise can lead to the  increase in the acidity of the individual’s blood. Control of osmosis – Salts are a major constituent of blood, and the levels both inside and outside of the cell, of which can be controlled by ATP. The sodium salts and chloride ions are continuously pumped back out of the cell each time they enter a cell, whereas potassium are pumped back into the cell as they leave a cell. The movement of salts enable the individual in assisting osmosis through the cell membrane. Isotonic Osmotic pressure outside the cell is equal to that inside of the cell. Water moving into and out of the cell is the same. Hypotonic Osmotic pressure is lower. Water moving into the cell is greater than that of which is moving out of the cell. Hypertonic Osmotic pressure is higher. Water moving out of the cell is greater than that of which is moving into the cell. Role of electrolytes – Electrolytes are compounds that dissociate into ions when they are dissolved in water, thereby causing them to become electrically charged particles, meaning that they have the ability to conduct electrical impulses. The electrical impulses created are what the body needs in order to make muscle cells contract. Electrolytes can become either cations (positively charged) or anions (negatively charged). Essential minerals – Some electrolytes are considered essential minerals, meaning that they are unable to be made within the body and are an essential part of health. The major constituent for a cell is potassium The components of amino acids and proteins Chloride is needed in order to produce hydrochloric acid in the stomach Magnesium of which can be found in bone and teeth, plays a key role in the contraction of muscles as well as an activator for various enzymes. Another component of bone and teeth is phosphorous and calcium, with calcium being required for blood clotting along with aiding in the contraction of muscles. There are trace elements present in the body. These essential minerals are required in only small amounts. The food and fluids consumed by an individual contain mineral salts, which are used to form electrolytes which dissolve in the fluids of the body. Electrolytes can be found in blood, urine, in the fluid contained in the body’s cells, and in the fluid surround the cells. Sodium, calcium, chloride, magnesium, potassium are the most commonly found electrolytes within the body. Electrolytes play a key role in helping the heart, nerves, and muscles to function. They also play role in keeping fluid levels normal in different body compartments. Levels of electrolytes in the body’s fluid compartments are controlled through the movement of electrolytes moving into/ out of the compartments. The kidneys have a hand in filtering electrolytes from the blood in order to keep the levels constant. Hormones such as the antidiuretic hormone and parathyroid hormone for example, help to regulate electrolyte balance. Acid-base balance – In order to function properly the blood needs the right balance between acid and basic (alkaline) compounds. This is known as acid-base balance. The kidneys and lungs within the body work in order to maintain acid-base balance; the slightest of variations from its normal range can have detrimental effects to the body’s vital organs. Acid and alkaline levels are measured on a pH scale. Increase in acidity can  cause pH levels to fall, whereas an increase in alkaline levels causes pH levels to rise. pH – pH measures the amount of hydrogen ions that are in a given solution. The pH scale ranges from the values of 1 to 14. Number 7 in the scale is known as neutral, water for example is a neutral substance. From 1 to 7, the lower the number on the scale the stronger the acid; whereas from 7 to 14 the higher the number the stronger the base. Importance of maintaining hydrogen concentration in body fluid – Hydrogen ion concentration is important to the structure and function of living systems. Slight changes can cause changes in ‘larger molecules and molecular complexes composing organisms.’ Buffer systems are put in place in order to maintain and stabilise the pH of body fluids. Phosphate buffers – These chemical buffers are essential in order to maintain normal hydrogen concentration in intracellular fluids, as their concentration inside the cells are many times greater than the concentration of the bicarbonate buffers. Metabolic activities are controlled by enzymes, of which can also be known as organic catalysts. Protein buffers – Are similar to the composition of phosphate buffers, as they include haemoglobin, are especially important within the cells. Chemical buffers of the body fluids are the first line of defence to prevent any changes in hydrogen ion concentration; any acid/base added to the body fluids immediately react with the buffers in order to prevent any changes in acid-base balance. Buffer systems – Chemical buffers are in place in order to resist changes in pH levels, and are the body’s first line of defence. A buffer solution is a mixture of a weak acid and its conjugate base or a weak base and its conjugate acid; and is used to stabilize the pH of a liquid. The ability of an acid-base mixture  resist sudden changes in pH is known as buffer action. Tissue cells and vital organs of the body are sensitive to the slightest of changes in the pH environment; and in high concentrations, acids and bases can be highly damaging to living cells. Buffer solutions are put in place as a means of keeping pH at a nearly constant level in various chemical applications. One such buffer solution can be found in the blood. Several buffering agents bind hydrogen ions in order to stop any change in pH. Extracellular buffers include bicarbonate and ammonia, and intracellular buffers include proteins and phosphates. Buffers are in place in order to work against sudden and large changes in the pH of body fluids by Releasing hydrogen ions when the pH increases (acids) Binding hydrogen ions when the pH decreases (bases) There are three main chemical buffer systems in the body: Carbonic acid-bicarbonate buffer system Phosphate buffer system Protein buffer system Solutes – Materials can be transported between the cytoplasm and the outside of the cell; this is known as the active transport process (ATP), whereas the movement of other molecules is known as passive transport which does not require energy. Active transport can be used in order to get the molecules to go against the concentration gradient; this can be done by either facilitated diffusion or osmosis. Passive transport of molecule depends on its ability to be able to pass through the cell membrane, as well as that of the concentration gradient which allows molecules to diffuse from an area of high concentration to an  area of low concentration. Molecules such as gases, lipids and water have the ability to pass through the cell membrane fairly easily. However other molecules such as glucose, amino acids, and ions do not have the same ability. Some of these molecules can enter and leave the cell through the use of facilitated transport, where the molecules can move down the concentration gradient through protein channels in the membrane. This process does not require any form of energy. Role of water in relation to properties – Specific heat capacity – Water has a large heat capacity which aids in limiting any changes in an individual’s body temperature in a warm or cold environment. As a result of the high specific heat capacity of water, its role in temperature regulation is very important. Water enables the body to release heat when the ambient temperature is higher than that of the individual’s body temperature. The body starts to sweat, and the evaporation of water from the skins surface occurs, in order to cool the body down. Surface tension – ‘Surface tension is a contractive tendency of the surface of a liquid that allows it to resist an external force. ‘For example the floating of some objects on the surface of water, even though they are denser than water, some insects however have the ability to run on the water’s surface. The cohesive forces of liquid molecules are responsible for surface tension, and are responsible for many of the behaviours of liquids. In addition, water has adhesive properties, so that the pleural fluid which covers the membrane of the lungs stops them from sticking to the inside of the ribcage. Distribution of water – There are two main fluid compartments in the human body: Intracellular fluid (ICF) Extracellular fluid (ECF) Water is the major solvent of all body fluid compartments. Total body water averages around 60% body weight in young males and 50% of body weight in young adult females. The percentage of body weight that water occupies depends on the amount of adipose tissue (fat) an individual has. The overall water in the body involves water inside of the cells known as intracellular fluid (ICF compartment), found inside the bilayered cell plasma membrane which is around 28 litres, which makes up around 60% to 67% of body water; and the extracellular water located outside of the cells which is around 14 litres makes up the other 33% to 40%. Tissue fluid also known as the intracellular and the interstitial fluid have the majority of the component of the extracellular fluid as it has 11 litres compared to 3 litres of plasma. The lymph has 10% of the tissue fluid that form in the remainders of the plasma. ECF is composed of fluid outside of the cells and consists of three subdivisions: Interstitial compartment Plasma compartment Third space (transcellular fluid) The interstitial compartment is the fluid space which surrounds the cells of a given tissue, and is filled with interstitial fluid. Interstitial fluid allows for the movement of ions, proteins, and nutrients across the cell membrane. The fluid is continuously recollected by the lymphatic channels. Excess fluid in the interstitial compartment causes oedema to develop. Intravascular plasma can be found within the vascular system and makes up a fourth of ECF. The third space is part of the ECF compartment and is otherwise known as transcellular fluid. Examples of third space include: Peritoneal fluid Pleural fluid Cerebrospinal fluid Synovial fluid Renal tubular fluid Intercellular fluid is the main component of extracellular fluid; ‘other components include plasma and transcellular fluid. Intercellular fluid surrounds the body’s cells, and provides a way for delivering materials to the cells, intercellular communication, and removal of metabolic waste. The fluid found in the intercellular spaces are made up of water, amino acids, sugars, fatty acids, coenzymes, hormones, neurotransmitters, salts and cellular products. ‘ Plasma makes up approximately 25% of the body’s total extracellular fluid. Plasma proteins serve several functions, of which include maintaining the proper distribution of water between the blood and tissues; transportation of nutrients, metabolites, and hormones throughout the body, defending against infection etc. Diseases can alter the amount of plasma proteins that are produced and their concentration in the blood. Role of intercellular fluid in homeostasis – In homeostasis, intercellular fluid also known as interstitial and tissue fluid, plays a vital role as the fluid is pushed out of the arterial end of the capillary by the blood pressure, after the blood has been pushed out through the muscular arterioles and capillaries. During this stage carbon dioxide is low. Tissue fluid flows around the cells and in between giving out raw materials through the use of osmosis, facilitated diffusion and diffusion etc. The metabolic waste is passed in the opposite direction to the cells and into the tissue fluid. However if the waste materials were allowed to accumulate, this could ultimately cause disruption and lead to the cells dying before death occurring. References http://www.nestle-waters.com, (2014). Functions of water in human body. [online] Available at: http://www.nestle-waters.com/healthy-hydration/water-fonctions-in-human-body [Accessed 13 Oct. 2014]. Bbc.co.uk, (2014). BBC – GCSE Bitesize: Acids and bases. [online] Available at: http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/gcsebitesize/science/add_aqa/acids/acidsbasesrev1.shtml [Accessed 13 Oct. 2014]. Biology-online.org, (2014). Intercellular fluid – definition from Biology-Online.org. [online] Available at: http://www.biology-online.org/dictionary/Intercellular_fluid [Accessed 13 Oct. 2014]. Chemical Buffer Systems- Acid-Base Balance. (2014). Boundless. [online] Available at: https://www.boundless.com/physiology/textbooks/boundless-anatomy-and-physiology-textbook/fluids-and-acid-base-balance-26/acid-base-balance-248/chemical-buffer-systems-1217-4810/ [Accessed 13 Oct. 2014]. Healthline.com, (2014). Acid-Base Balance | Definition and Patient Education. [online] Available at: http://www.healthline.com/health/acid-base-balance#Overview1 [Accessed 13 Oct. 2014]. Inkling.com, (2014). Inkling. [online] Available at: https://www.inkling.com/read/medical-physiology-rodney-rhoades-david-bell-4th/chapter-23/fluid-compartments-of-the-body [Accessed 22 Oct. 2014]. Inkling.com, (2014). Inkling. [online] Available at: https://www.inkling.com/read/marks-medical-biochemistry-lieberman-marks-4th/chapter-45/i–plasma-proteins-maintain [Accessed 13 Oct. 2014]. Media.lanecc.edu, (2014). Chemical Buffer Systems and Acid-Base Balance. 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