Usefulnessof functionalist theory free essay sample

Assess the usefulness of functionalist theory to an understanding of society as a functional unit ? (33 Marks) As a structural theory, Functionalism sees social structure or the organisation of society as more important than the individual. Functionalism is a top down theory. Individuals are born into society and become the product of all the social influences around them as they are socialised by various institutions such as the family, education, media and religion. Theory of Talcott Parsons Everyone has to have shared goals. Goals that benefit society. We need value consensus. Value consensus = agreed goals, values, roles that standardise and determine behavior. This = social order. How do we get value consensus? 1. Socialisation – the system can ensure it’s needs are met by teaching individuals to want to do what it requires them to do. Individuals internalise the norms and values so that society becomes part of their personality 2. Social Control – positive sanctions reward conformity and negative sanctions punish deviance. We will write a custom essay sample on Usefulnessof functionalist theory or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page E.g. individual achievement is valued therefore those who conform to educational success are rewarded with qualifications while those who deviate by dropping out may be labeled as ‘lazy’ This means behavior will be predictable and stable = social order. Parson’s types of society.Traditional society Modern society Immediate Gratification Deffered Gratification.  Ascribed status Achieved Status.  Gradual change also occurs through dynamic equilibrium – as a change happens in one part of the system it produces changes in other parts to maintain social stability. This the result of institutions working together effectively to meet societies needs.  Marxism.  Conflict .  Revolutionary change.  Society benefits the ruling class.  Social control Ideological – distracted from the realities of exploitation. False consciousness – ruling class take control over education, media and religion so the working class are distracted from the realities of their exploited situation (however by bringing the working classes together in large numbers and driving down wages it is likely the working class will develop a consciousness of its own ‘Physical’ social control – if the ideological control fails the ruling class has its control over courts, police, armed services etc. to fall back on Both theories view society as a system of social structures and both agree that these social structures exist within a society.

Warhol and Litchenstein- compa essays

Warhol and Litchenstein- compa essays From a young age, both Warhol and Lichtenstein demonstrated surpassing talent in art. Andy Warhol, real name Andrew Warhola, was born in 1928 in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, to Czechoslovakian parents. Before he could walk, Warhol was coloring in coloring books. His mother noticed his exceptional skill for staying within the lines and for encouragement, rewarded her son with a candy bar each time he completed a page. During his grade school years Warhol, a chronic sufferer of Saint Vitus Dance, was frequently sick. He would lay in bed for days on end making paper dolls and copying the Maybelline ads of Hedy Lamarr. After highschool Warhol studied commercial art at the Carnegie Institute of Technology in Pittsberg. Warhol graduated in 1949 and went to New York where he worked for the magazines Harpers Bazarr and Vogue as an illustrator. At the same time he was working in commercial advertising and in his free time drew pictures of flowers, cats, angles, ect., to charm potential clients i nto giving him a job. He soon became one of New Yorks most sought after and successful illustrators. Though Warhol was extremely focused on his commercial career, he still found time to pursue his passion for fine art and in 1952 he had his first gallery show in New York City. Litchenstein was born in 1923 in New York City. His father was a relator and his mother a housewife. His parents were very busy people and because both his parents lacked an artistic streak, Lichtenstein grew up under no specific artistic influence. At the age of fourteen he attended a painting class, on weekends, at Parsons School of Desighn. Litchenstein attended Franklin High School in his adolesent years. The school had no art program, but he drew and painted at home and in the summers enrolled in art classes at the Art Students League. After high school Litche ...

40+ Best Print Book Distributors in 2019 the Ultimate Guide

40+ Best Print Book Distributors in 2019 the Ultimate Guide List of Print Book Distributors As a self-published author, finding the right book distributors can be overwhelming. eBook distribution is relatively simple, as almost anyone can list their books on the world's largest retailers. But if you want people to find your title on the shelves of your local bookstore, you need a  distributor. And depending on your genre, some might be better for you than others.Well, we’re here to help! Below, we’ve put together a list of book distributors - some of which are also wholesalers - to help you get your book on the shelves. But first, let’s nail down what a book distributor is and why it might be important in your author journey.What are book distributors?Book distributors are companies that pitch and sell books directly to wholesalers, bookstores, libraries, and other retailers through sale representatives and catalogs. If you’re a self-publisher, that means that you don’t need to worry about marketing your book to bookstores - your dist ributor will do that for you. And depending on whether you're using print-on-demand services or printing in bulk, the wholesaler might also take care of warehousing your title.In exchange, though, you may need to sign an exclusivity agreement, meaning your distributor is the only one that can sell your books to retailers and can charge a lot for their service (about 55% or more of the book’s cover price).Note: if you haven't figured out how you're going to print your book yet, check out this post comparing the major print-on-demand services available to indie authors.Distributors often specialize in a specific market (such as fiction, travel books, or children’s books), which is why it’s important that you do research based on your book’s genre in order to find a distributor that best fits your needs. Some are also more indie-friendly than others - an important factor for self-publishers to take into account, as some distributors may not work with single -title authors. Find out what book distributors are and why they are important on your author journey What is the difference between book distributors and book wholesalers?You might also see the word â€Å"book wholesaler† pop up every so often when you’re doing your research. There is a difference between the two. Book wholesalers also buy books in bulk and store them. However, unlike distributors, they will not market or pitch your title to bookstores. Instead, they simply accept and fulfill requests when bookstores and retailers order titles directly from them.To get your book onto the shelves, there’s no getting around the need of a middleman between you and the retailers. It’s physically impossible for a self-published author to distribute their book nationwide, much less globally.Therefore, it’s up to you to figure out what kind of middleman you want. If you deal directly with a distributor, you only need to worry about getting your book in the distributor’s hands. The distributor will then take charge of the actual distribution process . Wholesales, on the other hand, merely stock your book for you. You’ll need to do all the marketing and pitching to bookstores yourself. Book distributors vs. book wholesales. What is the difference? Find out... How does this affect you?If you are a self-published author who’s looking to get your book onto the shelf of a bookstore (or maybe even into The Guardian), getting set up with the right distributor is vital. Start off by going to their website and reading their services information. You should be able to get an idea of 1. How the company works and 2. What kind of books they distribute. An ideal match is a distributor that specializes in your particular genre - you will want them to have the appropriate experience marketing and selling your kind of book, after all.You’ll then need to download and fill out their application - yes, even indie-friendly distributors don’t work with everybody. If you don’t find one on their website, emailing an inquiry is usually the best option. This goes without saying, but read carefully whatever you are required to sign as this will have a direct impact on your royalties.With that in mind, here’s list of distributor s to get you started.Print Book Distributors in the United StatesAK Press Independent publisher and book distributor specializing in radical left and anarchist literature. Specialized genres: Radical left and anarchist literature. Website: https://www.akpress.org/ E-mail: info@akpress.orgAlibris Premier online marketplace and distributor for independent sellers of new and used books, music, and movies, as well as rare and collectible titles. Specialized genres: Variety. Website: https://www.alibris.com/Anchor Distributors Family owned distributor of Christian books and church supplies. Specialized genres: Religious - Christian. Website: https://www.anchordistributors.com/default.aspx E-mail: anchor.customerservice@anchordistributors.comAmerican West Books A major, nationwide supplier to warehouse clubs, specialty grocers, and national booksellers. Specialized genres: Variety. Website: https://americanwestbooks.com/ E-mail: Info@AmericanWestBooks.comBaker Taylor – A Follett Company A leading distributor of books, video, and music products to libraries, institutions, and retailers. Specialized genres: Variety. Website: http://btol.com/index.cfm E-mail: btinfo@btol.comBCH Fulfillment Distribution Independent book distributor and fulfillment house focusing on Small Presses, particularly with 10 or fewer titles. Specialized genres: Variety. Website: bookch.com/home.taf E-mail: customerservice@bookch.comBella Distribution Distribution to independent and chain bookstores for small publishing and bookstore communities. Specialized genres: Variety. Website: belladistribution.com/index.htm E-mail: info@belladistribution.comBookBaby Offers on demand printing and book distribution services. Specialized genres: Variety. Website: https://www.bookbaby.com/book-distribution E-mail: info@bookbaby.com (Learn more about BookBaby here!)CB Books Distribution Supports self-published and first-time authors, specializing in urban authors. Specialized genres: Urban books and African American authors. Website: cbbooksdistribution.com/home E-mail: cbbookdist@aol.comCardinal Publishers Group National book distributor serving independent presses. Specialized genres: Variety. Website: http://cardinalpub.com/ E-mail: info@cardinalpub.comCasemate Major specialist publisher and book distributor specializing in the producing and printing of military books. Specialized genres: Leading publisher of military books but also covers more genres. Website: https://www.casematepublishers.com/ E-mail: casemate@casematepublishers.comConsortium Books Sales Distribution Works with independent publishers as well as academic, library, wholesale and specialist markets. Specialized genres: Variety. Website: https://www.cbsd.com/ E-mail: cbsdinfo@ingramcontent.comDeVorss Company Book publisher and distributor of Metaphysical, Inspirational, Spiritual, Self-Help, and New Thought titles. Specialized genres: Metaphysical, inspirational, spiritual, self-help, and new thought. Webs ite: devorss.com/ E-mail: service@devorss.comDiamond Comic Distributors The world’s largest distributor of English-language comics, graphic novels and pop-culture related merchandise. Specialized genres: Comics, graphic novels, pop-culture. Website: https://www.diamondcomics.com/Home/1/1/3/103 E-mail: newaccounts@diamondcomics.comGem Guides Book Company Book publisher and distributor of books on rocks, minerals, gemstones, fossils, and crystals. Specialized genres: Rocks, minerals, gemstones, fossils, and crystals. Website: gemguidesbooks.com/ E-mail: info@gemguidesbooks.comGreenleaf Book Group A publisher and distributor dedicated to helping independent authors and small presses getting their work published. Specialized genres: Variety. Website: https://greenleafbookgroup.com/ E-mail: contact@greenleafbookgroup.comIndependent Publishers Group Distributes in the United States for large and small independent publishers and for publishers in the United Kingdom, Australia, Canad a, France, Ireland, Spain, Israel, and elsewhere. Specialized genres: Variety. Website: https://www.ipgbook.com/ E-mail: frontdesk@ipgbook.comIngram Content Group The world’s largest distributor of books to online and retail stores, schools, and libraries. Specialized genres: Variety. Website: https://www.ingramcontent.com/ E-mail: online.marketing@ingramcontent.comIngramSpark IngramSpark is Ingram’s platform for indie publishers, offering distribution, production, and book assembly. (For a promo code, read our IngramSpark review.) Specialized genres: Variety. Website: http://ingramspark.com E-mail: ingramsparksupport@ingramcontent.comMidpoint Trade Books A full-service book distribution company that represents independent publishers across the United States, United Kingdom, and Canada. Specialized genres: Variety. Website: midpointtrade.com/ E-mail: orders@midpointtrade.comNational Book Network An independent, full-service sales, marketing, and distribution company se rving book publishers from around the world. Specialized genres: Non-fiction, fiction, and children's titles. Website: http://nbnbooks.com/ E-mail: customercare@nbnbooks.comNew Leaf Distributing The world's largest wholesale distributor of books, recorded media and sidelines related to the subject areas of Spirituality, Metaphysics, Natural Alternative Wellness, and Conscious Living. Specialized genres: Spiritual, metaphysics, natural alternative wellness, and conscious living. Website: https://newleaf-dist.com/New Shelves Books Distribution company that offers their experience to small publishers and self-published authors. Specialized genres: Variety. Website: newshelves.com/ E-mail: info@newshelves.comPublishers Group West One of the top book distribution companies in the world. Specialized genres: Variety. Website: pgw.com/Readerlink Distribution Services The largest full-service distributor of hardcover, trade and paperback books to non-trade channel booksellers in North Americ a. Specialized genres: Variety. Website: readerlink.net/Default.aspx E-mail: Info@Readerlink.comSCB Distributors An independent, full-service distributor to the book trade. Specialized genres: Variety. Website: https://www.scbdistributors.com/index.shtml E-mail: scb@scbdistributors.comSimon Schuster Offers a full range of distribution services to independent publishers, including but not limited to sales, fulfillment, production, and digital support services. Specialized genres: Variety. Website: simonandschusterpublishing.com/sns-distribution/index.htmlSmall Press Distribution Currently the only distributor in the country dedicated exclusively to independently published literature. Specialized genres: Variety. Website: https://www.spdbooks.org/ E-mail: spd@spdbooks.orgSunbelt Publications Publishes and distributes books specializing on the land and its people, natural science, outdoor guides, and cultural histories and regional references of the southwest. Specialized genres: Natu ral science, outdoor guides, cultural histories, regional references of the southwest. Website: https://sunbeltpublications.com/ E-mail: sunbeltbook@sunbeltpub.comTAN Books A traditional Catholic American book distributor and publisher. Specialized genres: Religious - Catholic. Website: https://www.tanbooks.com/ E-mail: CustomerService@TANBooks.com A list of the top print book distributors in the US... all in one place Do you know any other distributors that we missed? Let us know in the comments below!

In this paper, you will argue and explain ONE small detail of the Essay

In this paper, you will argue and explain ONE small detail of the story helps shapes ONE larger theme of the story - Essay Example The story shows how the hunger artist was caged not just physically but also spiritually. One of the most annoying things for the hunger artist was that the spectators lost interest and faith in his performances and talent. Many of them thought that his fasting was dishonest and thus there were many people form the audience who kept an eye at him. Moreover, there were night watcher groups as well that monitored him to ensure that he is not taking any nourishment. They annoyed him all night by pointing their pocket torch lights at his face. the author writes â€Å"Nothing annoyed the artist more than such watchers; they made him miserable; they made his fast seem unendurable; sometimes he mastered his feebleness sufficiently to sing during their watch for as long as he could keep going, to show them how unjust their suspicions were† (Kafka 57). The cage is a symbol used by Kafka which represents the alienation of the hunger artist from the society. The cage is where the artist performs and it creates a division between the spectators and the artist to prevent him from those who don’t understand him. The hunger artist has his own world inside the cage where he understands himself and respects his talent whereas the world outside is unable to respect and understand the artist's perfection and honesty. The author writes â€Å"For he alone knew, what no other initiate knew, how easy it was to fast. It was the easiest thing in the world. He made no secret of this, yet people did not believe him’’ (Kafka 58). The spectators did not believe him and thought he cheated on his fasts as there was no one to keep an eye on him all the time. The artist believes that what stops the spectators form believing him is their position which is outside the cage. These spectators don’t even appreciate him and thus the cage is a symbol to represent security and protection for the artist from these people who are unable to understand him. The hunger a rtist feels cheated and helpless which is why he has isolated himself in the cage. It is the place where he and his honesty reside. It is the part of the world where he feels separate from others and believes in himself. But it is not long when the attitudes of people and spectators broke him down. the audience showed that they admired him so much but in reality they hated him and were cruel, â€Å"And he looked up into the eyes of the ladies who were apparently so friendly and in reality so cruel, and shook his head, which felt too heavy on its strength-less neck† (Kafka 58). The cage also represents the relationship that the hunger artist had with himself. The artist felt that he was trapped and caged within himself. His fasts were directly affecting his body which is why he was physically constrained. He was trapped in his body and even if he wished to escape from it, it was only through death. His fasts were merely a way through which he attempted to escape his skin. Fast ing was associated with his divinity and death. In the end he gives up his life to escape his body unable to do anything else as his body had limitations. This was an achievement for him as this was his idea of perfection. The hunger artist believed in himself and his perfection, he set out leaving his manager and â€Å"So he took leave of the impresario, his partner in an unparalleled career, and hired himself to a large circus; in order to spare his own feelings he avoided reading the

Strategic managiment Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Strategic managiment - Essay Example DeBeers provides employment to more than 23000 employees worldwide and the main objective of the company is to make high quality diamonds and make a lasting contribution on the community (DeBeers, 2013h). The company has two major shareholders Anglo American with 85 percent holding and Government of the Republic of Botswana with 15 percent holding (DeBeers, 2013k). The DeBeers group of companies constitute of wholly owned subsidiaries, investment and partnerships in diamond making. The major tasks of DeBeers include exploration of diamonds and mining activities in three major diamond producing countries like Botswana, Namibia and South Africa. The company also specializes in sorting, valuation and sale of rough diamonds and the development of synthetic diamonds for major industrial applications (DeBeers, 2013e).The study will deal with the strategic analysis of DeBeers and its outcome during the tenure 2008 to 2009. The author of the study will also conduct a PESTLE analysis which wi ll highlight the impact of the external and internal forces on the business activities of De Beers. Finally, the study will also conclude with an analysis which would help in identifying the internal and external resources of the company. Analysis of Business Environment & Success factors of DeBeers The business environment analysis also helps the company in adapting a particular marketing environment and also the way it responds to certain environmental circumstances (Shaikh, 2010). The Porter’s Five Forces Model will be a significant macro environment analysis which will help in understanding the impact of the external and internal forces in a direct and indirect manner. Bargaining Power of Buyers: Diamond is regarded as one of the most precious and valuable jewellery item in UK and is also the most coveted jewellery in the world. As per a survey conducted by the Bain and Company it was analyzed that diamond was the most coveted jewellery among women in UK in the year 2008 (Bain and Company, 2011). In the same survey conducted in the year 2008 it was also observed that that at least 65 percent of the UK household owned at least one diamond jewellery in the household (Bain and Company, 2011). This reflects that in spite of recession in the UK the common people preferred investing in valuable jewellery like diamond and also regard it as a valuable gifting item. Since, diamond is one of the most valuable and requires extensive maintenance, the price of diamond is quite high and seldom there is any bargaining while purchasing the product. The bargaining power of the buyers is not very high in this industry. Bargaining Power of Suppliers: The supplier forms an integral part in the diamond industry because they helped the diamond companies in 2008 to maintain timely delivery of the jewellery for industrial and consumer applications. The suppliers are responsible for supply of crude diamond to the warehouses for cutting purposes and also for the supply of th e polished diamond in the retail shops. The bargaining power of suppliers in this industry is high. Threat of Substitutes: Although, compared to the other jewellery items diamond is regarded as one of the most valuable items in the world jewellery items like platinum and silver cannot be replacement for diamond. However, preference is given to diamonds and the threat of substitutes was very low in the industry. Due to

Computer Program and Level Exam Essay Example for Free

Computer Program and Level Exam Essay Introduction: Goal of the report Goal of the project Preview of methods and results Methods: Steps you took or actions you did Results: Tell what you discovered in a table or a graph Discussion: Significance of what you found out Recommendations Goals achieved or not Questions raised SESSION ABOUT NAVIGATING THE INTERNET IMRD REPORT The goal of this IMRD report is to describe what I have learned in the session about using the Preimavera program. The goal of this project was to learn how to plan a project from its beginning to the end using a computer program. This report will inform the reader of the methods used, results reached and goals achieved. Methods: Level exam The level exam is basically an exam to know how good your computer skills like sending data through the internet. It’s a simple exam but it is necessary. Theoretical method The first three sessions are mainly theoretical sessions. Where you learn how to plan a project manually without the computer program by using node diagrams and other planning methods Practical method The rest of the sessions are practical sessions where the teacher explains how to operate the program and gives you a small project to plan and helps you master it. Final test The last step is the test you take where you plan a whole project and according to the result you get a certificate that you have mastered the preimavera. Results: Results| Methods| I knew that I was qualified for this course| Level exam| I learned how to plan a project without a computer program| Theoretical method| I learned how to operate the program| Practical method| To get a certificate that I mastered the preimavera| Final test| Discussion: The results above show that I have met my goal for learning how to work on Preimavera program, and I found out that anyone could learn how to use this program, and I still have to learn other planning programs like CANDY. I recommend ZODIAC center for learning computer programs.

Discuss the role that the Bank of England plays within the UK economy. :: Economics

Discuss the role that the Bank of England plays within the UK economy. The Bank of England was founded in 1694 to act upon the government as its banker and debt-manager. Since it was founded, its role has developed and evolved into what we have today, with its role centred on the management of the nations monetary unit, the pound and it is the infrastructure of the UK’s financial system. (http://www.bankofengland.co.uk/about/history/index.htm visited 27th October 2005 last updated 12th June 2002 by Anon) The history of the Bank is one of great interest in this country, but also of continuing relevance and importance to the bank today. Events that have taken place within the last three hundred years have helped to shape and influence the role and the general responsibilities of the Bank. The Bank has moulded the culture and traditions and the expertise of the Bank as a central unit to the early years of the 21st century. Much of the history of the bank runs in tandem to the financial and economic history of this country, and often too the political history of the UK more generally. There have been many key points in the history of the Bank which have guided its future in this country. In the early years the Bank system was weak in the rule of King William and Queen Mary. Over the years though, various progressions have been made with the introduction of loans, interest rates and various other things which make up the Bank today. The Bank of England is controlled by the level of interest rates it sets via the manipulation of short term interest rates. This is controlled by the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC). If the MPC think that the demand is set to rise too fast, then they will increase the interest rate, but if they think demand is growing at a slow rate, or maybe even possibly falling, they will then reduce the interest rate. This is known as the transmission mechanism. The MPC is made up of nine members. Five of them are from within the Bank of England and include the Governor and two Deputy Governors, the other four are called external members and are appointed by the Chancellor. At each monthly meeting the members vote on what they believe should happen to the interest rates. If the vote is equal, then the Governor of the Bank of England has the casting vote. There are many different internal consumer demand changes that will affect the general public. Firstly there is consumer borrowing. Many consumers use this method to borrow money in the form of credit cards

Development of a Home Messaging and Communication System Essay

This is group coursework. Groups should have between 3 to 5 people. Do only one of the assignments described below. Read everything before you decide which to tackle. Assignment 1 – Home Messaging System Many people live in a house or flat with others. People may live fairly independently with different interests and routines, or they may be more closely involved with each others’ lives. Whichever is the case, they will probably need to coordinate their activities with each other. They may benefit from ways of recording and sharing reminders about events such as appointments or significant dates. They may need ways to record and coordinate over tasks such as chores around the place. They may benefit from ways of indicating problems, requests for information or action, ways just saying â€Å"hello† and ‘greasing the wheels’ of communal living, or even ways of addressing conflicts if they occur. The messages people currently leave for each other can take many forms. They may use Post-its, whiteboards, pinboards or other surfaces that can be written on. The practices of information sharing may evolve over many years and are often designed to fit carefully into peoples’ lives. However, written messages may have disadvantages: they tend to be static and not easily updated; they also are fixed in one location, whereas people are mobile and may need access to notes and messages even when they aren’t at the location where the message was created. Coursework Instructions Research, prototype and evaluate a digital Home Messaging device or system that people in a house or flat can use to share the kinds of information they need to coordinate activities with one another and enable good, happy social relations. The details of what they can do will depend on what you find out by doing some user-research. The system you develop should have an interface within a shared space, but may also work in coordination with devices at other locations. Assignment 2 – Mobile Museum or Art Gallery System Museums and art galleries make an important contribution to our cultural landscape. A visit to a museum or art gallery can happen for many reasons. People may want to learn, be reflective, to be entertained or to have a fun day out with friends and family. People may have a deep interest in what they will see there or they may just want something to do on a rainy afternoon. Image by EmilySuran (Own work) [CC-BY-SA-3.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0)], via Wikimedia Commons Digital technology can provide opportunities for enhancing these experiences in a number of ways. They may offer information before a visit. During a visit users might want information or to communicate in some way. Mobile devices can be location-aware. For example, this can be done using QR codes. A QR (Quick Response) code (see image below) is a matrix barcode which can be scanned by a device fitted with a camera (such as a smart phone). A user could scan a code next to an exhibit to launch some location-based service. And after the visit there may be some follow-up activities, perhaps using information about what interested them. A QR code Coursework Instructions Research, prototype and evaluate a system that could be used by people to enhance their experiences in museums and/or art galleries in some way. The service could provide information and/or enhance shared experiences. It could help them learn or make things fun. The system could integrate with a web-based system to allow people to do things before or after a trip. Again, the details of will depend on what you find out by doing some user-research. General Instructions Whichever project you do it must involve the following major activities: 1. user-research 2. prototyping 3. evaluation 4. prototype revision In other words, follow an iterative design approach. Each step should inform the next. It should be clear how the research has informed the design, and how the evaluation has informed the revised design. As an alternative to traditional user-research methods you might like to try auto ethnography. Auto ethnography is an approach which seeks to describe and systematically analyse personal experience. If you do this you will be graded on the methods you use to acquire and analyse useful experiences and the quality of the insights that this gives you. For any activity that involves human participants you must complete a Middlesex University School of Engineering and Information Sciences Research Consent (Form C) and a Declaration Form and Ethical Approval Request (Form D). Have your consent form approved by your tutor before you start each phase of user engagement and have them sign your form D. The forms can be found in the ‘Useful Forms’ section of the Middlesex University, School of EIS – Ethics & Research Webpage. Assessment The work will be assessed in parts: Group Progress Review Presentation – 25% of total mark The presentation should describe the work you have done and your plans for completing the assignment. Group members will only receive a mark if they make a reasonable contribution to the presentation, with each receiving the same mark. Individual Final Report – 75% of total mark The final report should be no more than 4000 words (not including appendixes). Each group member will receive an individual mark. The report should be structured as follows (maximum marks awarded are shown in brackets as a percentage of marks awarded for the report): * Introduction (10%) * User Research (15%) * Prototype (15%) * Evaluation (15%) * Prototype revision (10%) * Discussion (10%) * Appendices containing all appropriate ethics forms1 (15%) An additional 10% will be awarded for presentation of the report. All marks will depend on the separate submission of your raw data. ——————————————– [ 1 ]. http://www.eis.mdx.ac.uk/research/groups/Alert/Ethics_Research/forms.html

Epidural Catheterization In Cardiac Surgery Health And Social Care Essay

Introduction: Risk-benefit-ratio rating of extradural haematomas due to catheter arrangement in patients undergoing cardiac surgery is still controversial. The intent of this survey is to update to 2012 the per centum of catheter-related extradural haematoma hazard in cardiac surgery. Methods: Bracco and Hemmerling 2007 hazard appraisal was updated by seeking all reported instances of extradural arrangement for cardiac surgery, in web and in literature, from April 2007 to September 2012. Hazards of other medical and non-medical activities were retrieved from recent reappraisals or national statistic studies. Consequences: Hazard of catheter-related extradural haematoma is 1/5,493, with a 95 % CI of 1/970 to 1/31,114. It is similar to the hazard in the general surgery population of 1/6,628 ( 95 % CI 1/1,170 to 1/37,552 ) . Decisions: Hazard of catheter-related extradural haematoma should be considered acceptable, since it is comparable to the hazard of deceasing in a auto accident, which is a jeopardy widely accepted. Its usage should be encouraged, because extradural improves recovery in patients undergoing cardiac surgery.IntroductionIn cardiac surgery, the extradural anesthesia/analgesia technique has been performed for many old ages [ 1 ] ; however, its usage is frequently limited by the fright of increased hazard of extradural haematoma associated with anticoagulation therapy. The risk-benefit ratio of medical processs needs to be known in order to do the best pick in routinely clinical pattern. In peculiar, it is of import to better look into the hazard benefit-ratio of extradural catheter in cardiac surgery, since it is a controversial and strongly debated pattern. In a recent reappraisal [ 2 ] , Royse showed the benefits and hazards related to high pectoral extradural anaesthesia, and he concludes that & amp ; acirc ; ˆ?epidural usage in cardiac surgery is no more unsafe than in non cardiac surgery & A ; acirc ; ˆA? . Previously, Bracco and Hemmerling estimated hazard of catheter-related extradural haematoma, seeking databases from 1966 to March 2007 [ 3 ] . The deliberate hazard was 1 extradural haematoma out of 12,000 extradural catheterisation reported in literature. The purpose of this survey is to update to 2012 the per centum of catheter-related extradural haematoma hazard in cardiac surgery.MethodMedline, SciSearch Embase, Google and Google Scholar were searched to choose publications showing patients undergoing cardiac surgery who received extradural anesthesia/analgesia. The hunt standards were ( ( ( ( extradural anaesthesia ) OR extradural catheter ) OR locoregional anaesthesia ) OR extradural ) AND ( ( ( ( cardiac surgery ) OR coronary arteria beltway grafting ) OR aortal valve surgery ) OR mitral valve surgery ) . Databases were explored from April 2007 to September 2012. The compiled publication list includes: conference abstracts, randomized control tests, retrospective and prospective surveies, and meta-analysis. The figure of patients undergoing cardiac surgery who received extradural catheterisation was retrieved ; attending was paid to non number patients twice. After that, the entire figure of instances ( denominator ) was calcula ted summing instances from April 2007 to September 2012 with instances from 1966 to March 2007 ; the latters were already included in the appraisal hazard done by Bracco and Hemmerling [ 3 ] . The numerator was calculated adding instances of extradural haematoma after extradural catheterisation in cardiac surgery, occurred from 1966 to 2012. The hazard of catheter-related extradural haematoma was compared with several different hazards, such as: the hazard of catheter-related extradural haematoma in non cardiac surgery, the hazard of chest or prostate malignant neoplastic disease, and the hazard of route traffic hurt. The per centums of hazard used for comparing were extrapolated from big tests, meta-analysis or national statistics studies. As already done by Bracco and Hemmerling, the Wilson method [ 4 ] was used to cipher 95 % reversible assurance interval ( CI ) of a individual proportion. The comparing between 2 proportions was done utilizing the same method [ 5 ] .ConsequenceIn 2012, the hazard of catheter-related extradural haematoma in cardiac surgery is 3 instances out of 16,477 patients, or 1/5,493, with a 95 % CI of 1/970 to 1/31,114. From April 2007 to 2012, around 4,477 patients having merely extradural or extradural plus GA and undergoing cardiac surgery were found. This population besides includes some paediatric patients. Kind of surgery and figure of patients are shown in table 1. We summed our consequences with the one estimated by Bracco and Hemmerling ; hence, the denominator is 16,477 ( 12,000 + 4,477 ) . Merely two instances of catheter-related extradural haematoma are described in literature from April 2007 to 2012. The first one occurred in 2010 and is reported by the UK Medical Protection Society [ 6 ] . A 70-year-old adult female had to undergo alteration surgery after 6 old ages since she received a ternary coronary arteria beltway. The twenty-four hours of surgery extradural catheter was placed without incident, and so GA was induced. The twenty-four hours after surgery, in the forenoon, the patient showed initial neurological symptoms, noticed by a nurse. However, her spinal column was examined through a CT scan merely hours subsequently, after neurological scrutiny revealed an intense motor and centripetal bilaterally block at the T6 degree. A big haematoma in the extradural infinite was clearly seeable ; hence, an exigency laminectomy and emptying of haematoma were performed. This patient remained paraplegic. The 2nd instance of catheter-related extradural haematoma happened in 2011 [ 7 ] . On the twenty-four hours of surgery, after GA initiation an extradural catheter was placed. The patient was a 55-year-old adult male scheduled for mitral valve replacing and tricuspid annulate plasty, who had stopped warfarin 7 yearss earlier surgery. Preoperative blood test revealed a normal curdling profile and normal thrombocyte count. A flaccid paraplegia appeared 16 hours after the terminal of surgery ; at that clip his curdling profile was altered and he had besides thrombocytopenia. An exigency magnetic resonance imagination showed an extradural haematoma at the T5-T6 degree, hence a laminectomy, within 6 hours since symptoms onset, was instantly performed to take the haematoma. This patient had a good overall recovery, and presented merely a little dysuria 6 months after laminectomy. Bracco and Hemmerling identified merely one instance of catheter-related extradural haematoma occurred in 1995 and subsequently reported in 2004 [ 8 ] ; hence, this instance adds up to the 2 antecedently described, so the numerator for the hazard assessment up to 2012 is represented by 3 instances. Several instances of neurological complications happening in patients with an extradural catheter placed for cardiac surgery are described in literature. Arora et Al. reported a instance of pneumocephalus after extradural anaesthesia [ 9 ] . The patient was a 68-year-old hypertensive, diabetic and corpulent male admitted for a coronary arteria beltway surgery ( CABG ) . He had a moderate clogging pneumonic disease, so extradural anaesthesia was proposed, obtaining informed consent. After uneventful extradural catheter interpolation, the trial dosage was administered ( 2ml of 2 % Lidocaine ) . Immediately, the patient reported a terrible concern, and so generalized tonic clonic ictuss developed. The patient gained consciousness 10 proceedingss subsequently, after ictuss were controlled. The magnetic resonance imagination showed air in the basal cisterns and subarachnoid infinites. The patient got a full recovery and underwent surgery 2 yearss subsequently. Writers concluded that the c omplications were due to the puncture of the dura mater. The hazard of catheter-related extradural haematoma in cardiac surgery is comparable to the hazard of extradural haematoma after regional techniques for general surgery [ 10, 11 ] . Volk et Al. estimated an incidence of spinal haematoma of 1: 6,628 in general surgical population, in Germany, from 2008 to 2009. We calculated a comparative hazard decrease of 17 % prefering general surgery ( non important ) . The US mortality for bosom disease ( deaths per population ) [ 12 ] is 10 times higher the hazard of extradural haematoma after extradural anesthesia/analgesia for cardiac surgery. The hazard of catheter-related extradural haematoma in cardiac surgery is 100 times lower than both the incidence of acute nephritic failure after CABG [ 13 ] , and the incidence of sternal lesion infection after CABG [ 14 ] . The hazard of catheter-related extradural haematoma in cardiac surgery is besides a 1,000 times lower than the frequence of ordering mistakes in infirmaries ( errors/admissions ) [ 15 ] . Patients undergoing cardiac surgery with an extradural catheter in topographic point have a hazard to develop an extradural haematoma comparable to the hazard of developing chest malignant neoplastic disease ( women/year ) or prostatic malignant neoplastic disease ( men/year ) [ 16 ] , and to the hazard of deceasing by accident ( deaths/population ) [ 17 ] [ Fig.1 ] .DiscussionKnowing the hazard per centum related to medical processs is really of import in clinical pattern ; it permits to correctly measure the risk-benefit ratio and to explicate patients all is needed, in order to obtain an informed consent before executing processs. Two recent meta-analysis have shown, one time once more, that the usage of epidural over general anaesthesia in patients undergoing cardiac surgery improves recovery by diminishing: the incidence of acute nephritic failure, the incidence of postoperative supraventricular arrhythmias, the clip on mechanical airing and respiratory complications [ 18, 19 ] . Therefore, extradural anaesthesia is an of import intercession in the multimodal scheme that anesthesiologists actuate in order to vouch the best quality attention. Furthermore, wake up cardiac surgery is a new minimally invasive anaesthesia technique, and it is a cherished option for bad patients with terrible COPD ; because avoiding cannulation and mechanical airing is necessary to cut down the hazard of decease [ 20-25 ] . This survey demonstrates that the hazard of catheter related extradural haematoma in cardiac surgery is non zero, but it is a hazard that we consider to be acceptable, since it is comparable to the hazard of deceasing in a auto accident [ 26 ] , which is an jeopardy normally accepted [ Fig. 1 ] . Restrictions of the current hazard analysis are related to our determination of non sing differences among the surveies we used as beginning. Different times of catheter arrangement, different perioperative heparinization protocols and different puncture degrees are non taken into history. The increased hazard, compared to the 2007 appraisal by Bracco and Hemmerling, we believe is due to a lessening in the figure of instances we used to find the denominator, and non to a existent addition in instances of catheter-related extradural haematoma. We used as denominator the figure of patients who received an extradural catheterisation to undergo cardiac surgery. It is our sentiment, that the instances reported in literature in recent old ages are merely a little proportion of the figure of extradural catheter arrangement really performed. Furthermore, the attending paid to epidural-related jobs has increased over clip, and accordingly, the demand to describe incorrect events increased. In literature, instances of self-generated extradural haematoma without an extradural catheter after cardiac surgery are besides described. For case, Hayashi et Al. [ 27 ] reported about a 71-year-old adult females, who underwent mitral valve plasty with CPB. The surgery lasted around 4 hours uneventfully, and she was non antecedently treated with anticoagulant therapy neither with extradural. One hr after surgery, paraplegia was apparent, an extradural haematoma compacting spinal cord at the C7-T4 degree was revealed through magnetic resonance imagination. A conservative attack was chosen because the paraplegia was non progressive. The writers stated that the extradural haematoma etiology was non apparent. The adult female had good overall result. In decision, measuring the risk-benefit ratio of utilizing pectoral extradural anaesthesia in cardiac surgery should be easier, thank to this update hazard appraisal.

Hygroscopic Definition in Chemistry

Hygroscopic Definition in Chemistry Water is an important solvent, so its unsurprising that there is a term specifically related to water absorption. Definition of Hygroscopic A hygroscopic substance is able to absorb or adsorb water from its surroundings. Typically, this occurs at or near ordinary room temperature. Most hygroscopic materials are salts, but many other materials display the property. When water vapor is absorbed, the water molecules are taken into the molecules of the substance, often resulting in physical changes, such as increased volume. Color, boiling point, temperature, and viscosity can also change. When water vapor is adsorbed, the water molecules remain on the surface of the material. Examples of Hygroscopic Materials Zinc chloride, sodium chloride, and sodium hydroxide crystals are hygroscopic. Silica gel, honey, nylon, and ethanol are also hygroscopic. Sulfuric acid is hygroscopic, not only when concentrated but also down to a concentration of 10% v/v or even lower. Germinating seeds also are hygroscopic. After seeds have dried, their outer coating becomes hygroscopic and starts absorbing moisture needed for germination. Some seeds have hygroscopic portions that change the shape of the seed when moisture is absorbed. The seed of Hesperostipa comata twists and untwists, depending on its hydration level, drilling the seed into the soil. Animals also make use of hygroscopic materials. For example, a species of lizard commonly called the thorny dragon has hygroscopic grooves between its spines. Water (dew) condenses on the spines at night and collects in the grooves, and then capillary action lets the lizard capture water across its skin. Hygroscopic Versus Hydroscopic You might encounter the word hydroscopic used in place of hygroscopic. Although hydro- is a prefix meaning water, the word hydroscopic is a misspelling and is incorrect. A hydroscope is an instrument used to take deep sea measurements. A device called a hygroscope in the 1790s was an instrument used to measure humidity levels. The modern name for such a device is a hygrometer. Hygroscopy and Deliquescence Hygroscopic and deliquescent materials are both able to absorb moisture from the air. However, hygroscopy and deliquescence dont mean precisely the same thing. Hygroscopic materials absorb moisture, but deliquescent materials absorb moisture to the extent that the substance dissolves in water. Deliquescence may be considered an extreme form of hygroscopy. A hygroscopic material will become damp and may stick to itself or become caky, while a deliquescent material will liquefy. Hygroscopy Versus Capillary Action While capillary action is another mechanism involving the uptake of water, it differs from hygroscopy in that no absorption occurs in capillary action. Storing Hygroscopic Materials Hygroscopic chemicals require special care. Typically, they are stored in airtight containers. They may also be maintained under kerosene, oil, or within a dry atmosphere. Uses of Hygroscopic Materials Hygroscopic substances are used to keep products dry or to remove water from an area. They are commonly used in desiccators. Hygroscopic materials may be added to products because of their ability to attract and hold moisture. These substances are referred to as humectants. Examples of humectants used in food, cosmetics, and drugs include salt, honey, ethanol, and sugar. The Bottom Line Hygroscopic and deliquescent materials and humectants are all able to absorb moisture from the air. Generally, deliquescent materials are used as desiccants. They dissolve in the water they absorb to yield a liquid solution. Most other hygroscopic materials (which dont dissolve) are called humectants.

Probes and Probabilities

Probes and Probabilities Probes and Probabilities Probes and Probabilities By Mark Nichol The Latin noun probus, meaning â€Å"virtuous† or â€Å"worthy,† is the ultimate source of probe and probability and their variants, which are listed and defined in this post. The verb probe is from the Latin word probare, derived from probus and meaning â€Å"demonstrate† or â€Å"test,† and means â€Å"examine† or â€Å"search.† The noun form, also probe, describes an investigation or search or a device for carrying out either type of procedure. A proband, meanwhile, is the first subject to be examined in a medical study to investigate, for example, a genetic disorder. Probate refers, as a noun or a verb, to validation of a will, and probation is study of a person to determine his or her fitness for a position or for rehabilitation after committing a crime, or the period during which the study occurs. (Adjectival forms are probational and probationary, and the adverbial form is probationally.) The probationer, the person under probation, seeks to demonstrate probity; that word, directly derived from probus, means â€Å"virtue.† The adjective probative means â€Å"exploratory† or â€Å"substantiating† and, in legal contexts, â€Å"relating to proof† or â€Å"tending to prove.† A reprobate is a person who demonstrates a lack of virtue. This term’s force has become diluted; it is now usually employed in a humorous sense as a synonym for rascal, but in the 1800s, it described a morally depraved person, and earlier, the connotation was of condemnation or damnation. As a verb, reprobate means â€Å"condemn,† â€Å"damn,† or â€Å"reject,† and it also serves as an adjective. Probable and its permutations are also descended from probare. Probable and probably derive from the Latin word probabilis, meaning â€Å"acceptable† or â€Å"provable,† and are synonyms for the adjectival and adverbial forms of likely, while the quality of being probable- as well as the mathematical concept of likelihood- is probability. (The antonyms for these words are formed by attaching the prefix im-.) In addition, the adjective probabilistic applies to philosophical and scientific concepts pertaining, respectively, to competing options and to the supposed invalidity of certainty. A subsequent post will detail the cognates proof and prove and other members of the probus family that deviate from the ancestral spelling. Want to improve your English in five minutes a day? Get a subscription and start receiving our writing tips and exercises daily! Keep learning! Browse the Vocabulary category, check our popular posts, or choose a related post below:What is the Difference Between "These" and "Those"?How Long Should a Paragraph Be?10 Terms for the Common People

Explain how self-creation, social status, and the idea of success Essay

Explain how self-creation, social status, and the idea of success inform the major theme of Winter Dreams by F. Scott Fitzgerald - Essay Example His desire and aspiration to come out of the shell of a middle class individual in order to become rich and wealthy is one of the most important aspects of the story, which is propelled by his association with the rich and famous golf players such as Mortimer Jones. The meandering relationship of Dexter with Judy, the daughter of Mortimer Jones depicts an intriguing portrait of his character, as well. The intention of Dexter to quit his job as a caddy and his vociferous ambition propels him to reach the pinnacle of life. Fitzgerald’s use of such phrases as â€Å"second-best grocery store† corresponds with Dexter’s hankering for a certain status in the society which is achieved when he becomes a partner in a laundry. As a matter of fact, his longing for status led him to leave the state school and joining the university even though he was pressed for money. The author of this story has carefully weaved his protagonist, Dexter by providing different shades to his imagination and his urge to change his social status by wrapping it with success. However, amidst different incidents in the story particularly the failure of Dexter to marry Irene proves his infidelity towards her; at the same time, he could not satisfy Judy Jones though Fitzgerald has also mentioned the depth of his feelings for Judy: â€Å"It did not take him many hours to decide that he had wanted Judy Jones ever since he was a proud, desirous little boy† (p.7). The story of Winter Dreams describes the ways adopted by people for attaining success which eventually emerge as the most significant reason for unhappiness. The title of the story justifies the dreams of Dexter that are nourished during the most quiescent and inarticulate season of the year that casts a dark shadow in his life when he attains everything except fulfillment. Thus, the story of his success and the attainment of social status reveal