Thursday, November 28, 2019

102 Week 1 Journal Response Professor Ramos Blog

102 Week 1 Journal Response Find an article that relates in some way to the things we have been talking about in class. First, summarize the text, explaining how you are understanding what they are saying. Second, connect it to our class. Why did you pick it? How does it connect to our class? Include a link to the text. Should be about 250 words in length. Some things we have talked about: Critical Thinking Writing Genres Music and Movies 102 Week 1 Journal Response Find an article that relates in some way to the things we have been talking about in class. First, summarize the text, explaining how you are understanding what they are saying. Second, connect it to our class. Why did you pick it? How does it connect to our class? Include a link to the text. Should be about 250 words in length. Some things we have talked about: Critical Thinking Ignorance Writing Process Research Population Control 2BR02B Problems/Solutions Decisions and Repercussions

Sunday, November 24, 2019

art critics essays

art critics essays Art Critics and Art Historians use different styles of writing when evaluating the different aspects of an artist and their artwork. Critics influence and govern the reception of an artwork in terms of its meaning and value, while historians place value on artists and artworks, suggesting their importance. These opposing approaches can be seen in the subjective manner of Robert Hughes and the objective style of H.H Arnason. Art Historian H.H Arnasons The History of Modern Art extract is a detailed and factual biography of Pablo Picasso. Arnason evaluates the significance of Picasso in relation to his world, interested in tracing how this artist and his artworks have gained status and how audiences have related to the artworks. He aims to discover meaning about Picassos artworks through researching and being familiar with his history. Arnason has used an objective writing style, avoiding opinionated and biased word choice: Picassos father was an artist and art teacher, and Picasso grew up in an environment of art and artists. Through Arnasons account of Picassos context the audience is able to distinguish how his styles and artworks evolved, informing the reader about the significance of his artworks and the intentions of the artist. The practice of Arnason provides a deeper insight into the connections between the artist and the audience. Through this analysis the audience is able to identify the spec ific period of time which Picasso was influenced by and grew up in. Born in Malaga, Spain he participated in most art movements since the end of the 19th Century. Arnason also suggests the significance of social qualities in shaping Picassos work Picasso grew up in an environment of art and artists. It is evident that this historian is a admirer of Picasso, however the comments he makes, such as he himself created many of them (art move...

Thursday, November 21, 2019

Nursing Leaders as Ethical-Legal Change Agents in Health Care Assignment

Nursing Leaders as Ethical-Legal Change Agents in Health Care - Assignment Example ng leader, it is the view of this student that the framework for making legal and ethical decisions should entertain both key determinants of the law as well as the underlying and pervasive considerations for the patient (Jenkins, 2012). Though this may seem as an obvious approach, it is somewhat different from the way in which ethics are employed within other institutions outside of healthcare. By employing such a dual approach, it is incumbent upon the healthcare professional to analyze each and every situation from the perspective of legality as well as the end utility that it provides to the patient (Sorrel, 2008). Finally, with regards to the actions that this particular author will plan to take in order to solve moral distress caused by ethical dilemmas, this has been adequately and briefly enumerated upon in the preceding analysis. By seeking provide a feedback loop of sorts in order to manage and determine the level of utility that each and every decision will have to the shareholders in question, the healthcare provider can seek to implement such an approach to maximizing ethics and healthcare provision (Dauwerse et al, 2011). Dauwerse, L., Abma, T., Molewijk, B., & Widdershoven, G. (2011). Need for ethics support in healthcare institutions: views of Dutch board members and ethics support staff. Journal Of Medical Ethics, 37(8),

Wednesday, November 20, 2019

Global Diversity Plan Term Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3000 words

Global Diversity Plan - Term Paper Example Through global diversity management, heterogeneity in organizations can not only be recognized and valued to help the organization strengthen its performance. Often, managing diversity at a global level becomes a challenge for many organizations because of the numerous aspects that are involved. Global diversity management has become an integral process of an organization because mismanagement or lack of adequate management can result in different consequences such as dissatisfaction among the employees, marginalization of certain groups and impact on performance (Gardenswartz, 2003). Therefore, it is necessary to have a strategic plan as well as vision in place for diversity management at a global level that encompasses all the main risk-issues and has plans for redressing each of these issues. Objective The objective of this study is to create a strategic plan that would help in promoting in global diversity in an international organization that is based in the United States but ha s presence in China, Germany and Nigeria. As with most multi-national organizations, this organization too has a preference to maintain a consistent operating policy across the globe so that there is centralized control, better coordination and a uniform corporate culture. However, these policies would not be rigid, but would be in such a manner that it can be customized according to each particular office in a country. The long-term objective is to make global diversity as a strength for the organization. Composition and Management of Global Teams For any organization that has a high focus on global diversity management, a team of leaders from diverse locations would manage the global organization. This is imperative because this will make sure that the organization is a global organization that provides accurate representation of each of the offices across different geographies. One main aspect that needs to be highlighted in the global diversity management plan is the composition and management of global teams (Govindarajan & Gupta 2001). Even in situations where the office is much smaller when compared to other global offices, it is necessary that this office has a good representation in the global scheme of things. Even though the organization would have its headquarters in the United States, the offices in China, Germany and Nigeria will have an Office head, who would be a part of the Board of Directors so that each of these offices have equal representation and voice in critical decision making meetings. The offices have mostly been divided according the functions. The office in the United States would function as a central fulcrum and would have representation for all the functions of the organization. This is done to ensure business continuity; in the event of any situation, office is not able to function in any particular country. The sales function and marketing team would be based out of the United States because large majorities of the clients are located in the United States. The China office would focus highly on product development, where as the offices in Germany and Nigeria would work on product marketing plans. In addition, they would also participate in client interactions. Each of these functions would have a leader or head, who would report to the global leader of these functions based in the United S

Monday, November 18, 2019

The Khmer Rouge Tribunal Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

The Khmer Rouge Tribunal - Essay Example In the trial, only four cases were planned to be carried out. The first case was against Kaing Guek Eav. Eav was the chief of the S-21 prison and was sentenced for more than 15,000 murders and crime against humanity. Eav was sentenced to a life sentence in prison. The rest of the three cases did not yield the same results. In Case two, only two people, Nuon Chea and Khieu Samphan were tried. One of the defendants, Ieng Sary, the foreign minister of Khmer Rouge died while his wife, Ieng Thirit was declared mentally unstable. The other two cases were never brought to trial. In this case, even the defenders’ names were not officially released. There were many others who were also not brought to trial. The government, in this case, was to blame as it forestalled on getting the perpetrators convicted. One reason behind this is that the present government is formed of many individuals who themselves participated in the incident. These people fear their own indictment and therefore t ry their best to clog the trial. In my opinion, these trials could have served as an important lesson in future against war crimes, genocides, and crime against humanity. The UN could have set a good example here. However, the tribunal did not have the desired result. It failed to try most of the criminals involved. Only Kaing Guek Eav, the chief officer of the S-21 prison was truly tried in the tribunal. The others found excuses for the trial. These people had power over the government to prevent them from standing trial.

Friday, November 15, 2019

Anxiety interpretation

Anxiety interpretation Introduction Winning is the ultimate goal for performance success amongst elite athletes, and approaches to achieve a competitive edge and optimise sporting performances are eagerly sought after. Facilitative interpretation of anxiety symptoms to impending performance is one recognised attribute of individuals of a higher performance status, and empirical support substantiates this relationship (Jones, Hanton, Swain 1994; Jones Swain, 1995). One approach to attaining a more facilitative interpretation of anxiety is through using a combination of psychological skills (Hanton Jones, 1999a, 1999b; Thomas, Maynard, Hanton, 2007). Findings emphasise the role of cognitive restructuring strategies, such as goal-setting, to elicit positive interpretations. However, the debate over which psychological skills comprising multi-modal interventions are responsible for the favoured anxiety appraisals remains debatable (Fletcher Hanton, 2002). More specifically, recent advancements have identified individual psychological skills which promote positive competitive-anxiety responses (OBrien, Mellalieu, Hanton, 2009; Wadey Hanton, 2007, 2008), yet the mechanisms underlying how and why athletes interpret their anxiety levels as positive are still inconclusive. If athletes can develop their ability to perceive anxiety in a more positive manner, they are more likely to benefit from the accompanied performance advantage. Anxiety, traditionally believed to be a negative determinant of performance, has now become recognised as a stimulant (Jones Hanton, 1996). In response to this dual-anxiety response, Jones (1991) argued that the traditional measure of multi-dimensional anxiety, the Competitive State Anxiety Inventory-2 (CSAI-2) (Martens, Burton, Vealey, Bump, Smith, 1990), restricted the measurement of anxiety response to â€Å"intensity† levels only; (cited in Jones Swain 1995). In response, Jones and Swain (1992) developed the modified version of the CSAI-2 in which a directional scale was collaborated. This broadened the approach adopted to measure intensity and perception of symptoms which were believed to mark the presence of anxiety. In an attempt to explain anxiety interpretation differences, Jones (1995), proposed a model of control, whereby athletes anxiety interpretation was governed by the confidence in their ability to control behaviour and the environment in which to achieve their goals. The model explains that a more positive expectancy of goal attainment is resultant of perceived control and ability to cope, and this generates a more facilitative interpretation of anxiety. This concept of control stemmed from Carver and Scheier (1988) research, who proposed that an athletes interpretation relies on their belief of being able to cope with anxiety levels and having the competency to meet the demands of the task. A wealth of research has based findings on Jones (1995) theoretical framework, whereby positive expectancies of goal attainment and facilitative appraisals of anxiety are inextricably wedded (Jones Hanton, 1999a; Jones Hanton, 1996; Wadey Hanton, 2008). Findings reported by Vealey, Hayashi, Garner-Holman, GiacobbiVealey et al. (1998) reinforces the connectivity of the components within Jones model (1995), in that the perception of self-control has been identified as the second most important source of self-confidence for athletes. Sources of self-confidence are vast and well documented (for a review see Bandura 1977, 1986, 1997; Vealey et alVealey, Hayashi, Garner-Holman, Giacobbi, 1998), and the challenge is to now determine those behaviours which are most conducive to self-confidence increments. The importance of self-confidence has been well-documented, and as one of the most important attribute to athletes, it also discriminates between elite and non-elite performers (Feltz, 1988). Previous studies have suggested that self-confidence functions as a buffer to experiencing debilitative anxiety levels (Hanton, Mellalieu, Hall, 2004). Findings reveal that athletes with superior levels of self-confidence consistently reported positive directional interpretations of the experienced anxiety (Jones et al., 1994), which lends partial support to Jones model (1995). Qualitative research by Hanton et al. (2004) which limited the assessment of strategy use to self-talk, thought control and imagery suggested, suggested that self-confidence ultimately gave rise to a sense of control over athletes performance. Further, self-confidence appeared to override negative thoughts and encouraged coping expectances; thereby was akin to an internal reassurance mechanism. Hanton et al. (2004) results also reported that confidence levels were associated with increases in effort and motivation, which allowed a more facilitative perception. This endorsed Eysenck and Calvos (1992) processing efficiency theory (PET) which proposed that high levels of confidence prevented high levels of cognitive anxiety from impairing performance through promoting motivation and effort investment to ultimately increase concentration levels. Given that Bandura (1977) believes engaging in behaviour enhances the self-confidence in ones ability of that behaviour, it is plausible to suggest that engaging in effective self-control processes may enhance athletes perception of their ability to control. The ability to self-control or self-regulate comprises the capability to manage ones affect, behaviour and cognitions to attain goals, and is suggested to be most necessary when faced with challenges or habitual actions are disrupted (Karoly, 1993). According to Karoly, (1993) â€Å"self-regulation refers to those processes, internal and/or transactional, that enable an individual to guide his/her goal-directed activities over time and across changing circumstances (contexts)† (p. 25). This is an independent process, and therefore success is most likely to be attributed internally, which according to Weiner (1979) will provide a source of greater motivation and self-confidence. A central self-regulatory behaviour according to Bandura (1991) is goal-setting. Bandura proposes goal-setting guides individuals behaviours, cognitions and affects to attain their desired performance standards. In essence, goal-setting provides a self-referenced benchmark against current performance which promotes self-evaluative and positive adaptive behaviour. Goals have also been suggested to enhance athletes motivation, effort, concentration and self-confidence (Gould, 2006). These subsequent self-reactive responses may therefore be targeted to align current behaviour with desired outcomes and assist in enhancing performance. Upon attainment of goals, mastery and personal capabilities in sport-specific skills are defined and awareness of success is heightened. Evidently goals maximise individuals opportunities to experience self-satisfaction, and therefore can function as a prospective pre-determinant of self-confidence. According to Zimmerman (1999), consistent self-regulated learners will assign explicit process and outcome goals, and express elevated self-confidence levels. Given that performance accomplishment is the most superior source of self-efficacy to athletes (Bandura, 1997), this may explain and strengthen the intimacy that has been associated between goal-setting and self-confidence. Synergistically, athletes with greater self-confidence levels have been shown to set more challenging goals and express greater commitment to attaining these goals (Bandura, 1991; Locke Latham, 1990; Wood Bandura, 1989). Bandura (1991) endorses the role of self-confidence as an important element of self-regulation and this has been supported by previous research in sport (Kane, Marks, Zaccaro, Blair, 1996; Williams, Donovan, Dodge, 2000). In view of the relationships between self-control, self-confidence and anxiety interpretation; consideration of the self-regulatory processes which are encompassed within goal-setting may help to ‘unmuddy the waters regarding the prospective underlying mechanisms to anxiety appraisal. The goal-setting process is facilitated by self-monitoring, which is another sub-function of Banduras self-regulation theory (1991). Self-monitoring is in essence observing and surveying ones own performance and results (Zimmerman, 2006), and has been positively related to improved physical learning and performance (Martin Ashnel, 1995; Zimmerman Kitsantas, 1996). Self-monitoring stimulates athletes to self-evaluate and thereby recognise favourable patterns between effective psychological states and successful performance outcomes, which in-turn provides a sense of ‘self-insight. Furthermore, this may guide behavioural change if performance was impaired or encourage the behavioural repetition if performance was enhanced. Consequently, self-monitoring offers opportunities for self-evaluation towards goal attainment, which reflects its self-diagnostic function. Previously it has been shown that self-monitoring, especially if positive, serves as a source of self-confidence (Bouc hard-Bouchard, 1990; Zimmerman Schunk, 2001; Martin Anshel, 1995). Moreover, the self-monitoring capability of athletes, both individually (Kim, 1999) and as a team (Kim Cho, 1996), influences corresponding performance expectations and the belief of mastery (as cited in Bechenke, 2002). Anxiety interpretation is most likely to arise through self-evaluative behaviours. Self-evaluation allows the analysis of the behaviour and accompanied outcomes, and is a subsequent sub-function following self-monitoring. This allows the athlete to determine whether to repeat this behaviour, if self-evaluation was positive, or set in motion a state of corrective change to attain future self-satisfaction, if this judgement was unfavourable (Bandura, 1991). The self-belief in goal mastery proceeds to influence the evaluative and reactive reactions to goal accomplishment or failure. Those of greater self-confidence evaluate failure to reach their goals as a motivator to continue striving. Subsequently they react to reduce the incongruity, by investing more effort and adopting more strategies to enhance the likelihood of goal mastery (Bandura Cervone, 1986). Complementary to these findings, self-confident individuals are predominantly more proactive in their self-reactions to goal accomplishment (Bandura, 1991). That is, once their goal has been mastered, they raise the bar further by introducing another challenging goal, which functions to progress performance improvements. Furthermore, Carver and Scheier (1986, 1988, 1998) have examined the means by which self-confidence effects self-regulatory behaviours. Their research reveals that when progression to goal mastery is hindered and becomes difficult, those with greater self-confidence in coping will react to anxiety levels positively, with renewed effort and concentration to their aspirations (as cited in Hanton et al. (2004). Jones and Hanton (1996) examined competitive anxiety symptoms with regard to goal attainment expectancies prior to competition. Findings demonstrated that competitive swimmers with positive expectations of goal-attainment found their anxiety symptoms were more facilitative to performance, than athletes with negative or uncertain goal expectations. These findings reflect equivalent reports by Hanton and Jones (1999a). This is in align with Jones (1995) control model and re-iterates the beneficial responses to positive goal-expectancies, which may be underpinned by higher self-confidence levels and consequent positive anxiety appraisals. Therefore, appropriate goal-setting is also paramount to optimise athletes expectancies of goal attainment to favour positive anxiety interpretation. Bandura (1991) suggests that acknowledgement of performance progress, influences individuals forthcoming behaviour, stimulates further goal setting and evaluative responses; thus goal-setting is a stimulant for other behavioural responses and appears to be a pivotal facet of self-regulation. Therefore there appears to be an overlapping effect between self-regulatory processes and self-confidence, in particular the goal-setting process. The strong predictive effects between goal-setting and self-confidence lends reasons to propose that goal-setting may be the most dependable predictor of self-confidence amongst other self-regulatory processes; this as yet remains indefinite. Evidence lends support to the role of goal-setting and positive interpretations of anxiety. Wadey and Hanton (2008) and OBrien et al. (2009) endorse the beneficial competitive-anxiety response with gaol-setting interventions. Wadey and Hanton (2008) has hinted that self-confidence and associated effort, motivation, concentration and perceived control may play a role to explain the positive anxiety response and goal-setting, however the mediatory role of self-confidence is as yet unconfirmed. Although Jones explanatory model (1995) and aforementioned research endorse the role self-confidence and perception of self-control plays in anxiety appraisal, they fail to acknowledge, identify and explain which self-regulatory behaviours allow self-confidence to override debilitating interpretations and why this relationship exists. In review of the literature five key self-regulatory processes have emerged and were measured using the Self Regulation in Sport Questionnaire (SRSQ); goal-setting, regulatory-responses, self-monitoring, self-awareness and self-talk. This was the first study to use this questionnaire and assess self-regulation, as a holistic process and differentiate between the key processes. The sources of self-confidence have been extensively reported, yet the variances by which self-regulatory processes contribute to self-confidence have not been compared. This questionnaire will allow the specific sub-functions of self-regulation that may enhance self-confidence to be determined. Previous studies report that elite athletes self-regulate more than their non-elite counterparts (Cleary Zimmerman, 2001; Anshel Porter, 1996), which is not surprising considering elites superior use of psychological skills (Thomas, Murphy, Hardy 1999).,. Therefore the self-confidence derived from these skills is likely to vary, thus competitive level is an important variable to control in this study. The Finally, the role of goal-setting, conceptualised as a self-regulatory behaviour , as a regulatory behaviour on anxiety interpretation willcan be investigated, which extends Hanton et al., (2004) study by including goal-setting as a strategy. . In essence, this study serves to discover if engaging in goal-setting has an indirect effect on anxiety interpretation by enhancing self-confidence. Specifically, it proposes to discriminate which facets of self-regulation are utilised to foster self-confidence, and thereby potentially mediate the competitive anxiety response interpretation. It is hypothesised that goal-setting will be the superior predictor of self-confidence, which in turn will mediate the relationship between goal-setting behaviours and anxiety interpretation. It is expected that self-confidence will be a positive partial mediator of facilitative anxiety interpretation.

Wednesday, November 13, 2019

Vietnam War :: essays research papers

The Vietnam War   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The Vietnam War was the longest war in America's history of involvement. Twenty years of hell, land mines, cross-fire, and death. Vietnam was divided by the Geneva Accord. The north being communist run by Ho Chi Minh. The south being anti-Communist run by Ngo Dinh Diem. Before Vietnam was separated, it was run by France. France had ruled most of Indochina since the late 1800s. The Vietnamese were unhappy with the way the French were controlling, therefore, many of them took refuge in China. When in China, they began to follow the lead of Ho Chi Minh, who wanted to model the Vietnamese Declaration of Independence as that of the U.S. version. In the 1940s, Japan had taken over Vietnam which upset Ho Chi Minh and his revolutionaries when they had returned a year later.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  After returning, Minh had help from the Vietminh; an organization of communist that wanted freedom from other countries. Their main goal was to turn Vietnam into a self-governed communist country. France wanted none of this non-sense. In 1945 they had moved back into southern Vietnam and ruled most of the cities. Ho Chi Minh swore to fight France to gain control of the whole country. U.S. promised to aid France, and sent almost $15 million worth of financial aid to France. The French fought for four years, being financially aided by the U.S. the whole time. The U.S. spent nearly one billion dollars in order to help France regain control of the tiny country. The only reason that much effort was put into a small area was the fear of the y. Domino Theory. The Domino Theory first showed it's head during a 1954 news conference by U.S. President Eisenhower. The domino theory is the fear of the spread of communism from one country to the next, and so on. Even with the as sistance of the U.S. France could not gain the control it once had on Vietnam.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  When president of south Vietnam, Ngo Dinh Diem decided that the election of 1956 should be canceled, America strongly agreed so that Minh could not gain control of the whole country. Diem was a Catholic, which angered the country consisting mostly of Buddhist. In opposition to Diem, a new regime was conjured up in south Vietnam called the Vietcong. Vietcong were residents of South Vietnam who were in favor of the communist rule in North Vietnam.

Sunday, November 10, 2019

Fictitious Business Description Essay

The main purpose of this study is to discuss the importance of a Human Resource Information System (HRIS) in Castle’s Family Restaurant. We are therefore going to discuss on the HR problems in Castle’s Family Restaurant and how the implementation of HRIS will enable the company to reduce costs together with ensuring efficiency in HR operations (Randall S. & Susan E. 2007). Business assessment Castle’s Family Restaurant in Northern California is the business to be assisted. It is large in size since it runs several branches in different locations and also has over 300 employees and this makes it to be a company. Depending on the size of the business, I have in my description assumed that Castle’s Family Restaurant is a since it has many employees and many branches. This assumption is based on the background of restaurant work environment and industry. Based on the basic theory of business complexity and getting work done restaurants should employ many workers to ensure that work is done efficiently like in the case of Castle’s Family Restaurant. Identified problems In the review of the HR of Castle’s Family Restaurant, I have noted the following: I have discovered that business does not have a human resource manager rather the operations manager served as HR manager. The company has not implemented HRIS which is important in monitoring the employee’s performance (Randall S. & Susan E. 2007). It is therefore evident that the HR is experiencing problems since the HR manager is unqualified and had so many duties to handle which is quite tiresome for him. Some of the functions of a HR include manpower planning, recruitment and training of employees, hiring employees and monitoring employees to ensure high performance. In my analysis I will focus much on monitoring of employees performance which will help me design a business plan. The main reason for focusing on this HR function is because the company seems to have failed in its implementation of HRIS which could be useful in reducing the HR managers travel time and travelling costs and that is why the HR manager has to travel to the branches to monitors employees performance. According to the resource-based theory of Human Resources, strategic management of the company resources leads to its success (Randall S. & Susan E. 2007). Increase in the costs incurred by the company is wastage of company resources since a better method can be implemented to reduce these costs and improve company’s performance. HRIS needs assessment According to Michael J. & Mohan T. (2008), HRIS is an online solution used by Human Resources to enter data, track data and manage accounting and payroll functions of the company. The main purpose of implementing HRIS in a company is to reduce the manual workload in HR administrative activities through tracking existing workers. Implementation of this software will create a more efficient process from the HR in the sense that it will help the HR manager to manage information about the employees, analyze employee information, manage resumes and new applications and also complete payroll integration with other financial accounting software in the company (Michael J. Mohan T. 2008). Automating all HR functions saves a lot of time and resources and hence increasing efficiency in HR operations as suggested by the resource-based theory of Human Resources. By implementing HRIS in Castle’s Family Restaurant, the HR manager will not have to travel to all company branches to monitor and answer employees questions rather he will perform his duties in his office. All questions that need to be answered will be answered through this software. Application or implementation of HRIS in Castle’s Family Restaurant will therefore enable the HR manager to complete all of his tasks in a cost-effective manner. Conclusion As a HR consultant, I would advise Castle’s Family Restaurant to implement HRIS as this software will solve much of the HR problems and hence leading to reduced costs and improved HR efficiency. Implementation of HRIS will make the company to effectively use it resources for better operations.

Friday, November 8, 2019

Psychoactive Drugs Essay Example

Psychoactive Drugs Essay Example Psychoactive Drugs Essay Psychoactive Drugs Essay Psychoactive Drugs are chemical substances that alter behavior, mood, perception, or mental functioning. Through the consumption of substances many cultures have found ways to alter consciousness. Psychoactive substances apply their effects by transforming biochemical or physiological processes in the brain. The message system of nerve cells, or neurons, relies on both electrical and chemical transmission. Neurons rarely touch each other; there is a microscopic gap between one neuron and the next, called the synapse. When a neuron fires, it releases chemicals called neurotransmitters into the synapse. Psychoactive drugs act by altering neurotransmitter function, they bind to the site of the firing neuron and inhibit this process so the neurotransmitters remain in the synapse, where they extend and increase the normal effect. The drugs can be separated into six key pharmacological classes based on their desired behavioral or psychological effect: alcohol, sedative-hypnotics, hallucinogens, narcotic analgesics, stimulant-euphoriants, and psychotropic drugs. The most used psychoactive substance is alcohol, which is also the only psychoactive drug legally available without a prescription in most countries. Enjoyable relaxation is often the ideal effect from alcohol consumption, but intoxication weakens judgment and motor performance, as well as brings on a feeling of exhilaration, and exaltation followed by sleep. Alcohol is a stimulant at first but after more is consumed it becomes a depressant. Alcohol is addictive. Continual use of alcohol can lead to disease known as alcoholism. Alcoholism can be classified as a chronic illness, psycho, somatic, or psychosomatic. It manifests itself as disorder of behavior. When consumed continually, alcohol consumption can be extremely harmful to the liver and brain cells, as well as physiologically addicting, generating hazardous withdrawal symptoms. It is possible to overdose from alcohol. Alcohol increases danger when taken with other types of drugs. Sedative-hypnotics, such as diazepam, amytat or barbiturates, more commonly known as the brand ‘Valium’, are all types of brain depressants. To assist people in sleeping, doctors often prescribe sedative-hypnotics. They can also be prescribed to calm people without causing sleep, because some may contain anti-anxiety agents. Sedative-Hypnotics are also used illegally to create relaxation, tranquility and euphoria. Overdoses of such drugs can prove to be fatal; they may also be physiologically addicting and may produce life threatening withdrawal symptoms. Barbiturates are extremely dangerous if injected and highly addictive. If they are taken to help a person sleep for a few nights in a row then after the person stops taking them it will have become impossible to sleep without them. Barbiturates create tolerance. The withdraw symptoms can be very painful to the user. A person who is withdrawn from barbiturates craves for them, they feel discomfort, and cannot sleep. In some situations withdrawal can cause major epileptic seizures, which makes it possible to die from barbiturate withdrawal. Barbiturates should only be used under doctor supervision. They aren’t pleasant or enjoyable since they lack euphoric content and the social lubrication that is produced by alcohol consumption. They create a dark, blank oblivion, because of this they are usually taken by people who hate him or herself or life. Hallucinogens or psychedelic drugs as they are sometimes referred to, or more commonly known as marijuana (which is a very weak hallucinogen), LSD (Lysergic Acid Diethylamide), mescaline, or PCP’s (Phencyclidine), have little medical use. These drugs are taken illegally to alter perception and thinking patterns. Hallucinogens all have the same risks that a person faces when choosing to take a form of hallucinogen. Those risks are increased heart rate and blood pressure, sleeplessness and tremors, lack of muscular coordination, sparse, mangled and incoherent speech, as well as convulsions, comas, and heart and lung failure, decreased awareness of touch and pain that can result in self- inflected wounds. People who take these drugs are also faced who psychological effects such as a sense of distance and estrangement, depression, anxiety, and paranoia, violent behavior, confusion, suspicion, and loss of control, plus flashbacks, and behavior similar to schizophrenic psychosis, in addition to catatonic syndrome which is when a user becomes mute, lethargic, disoriented or makes meaningless repetitive movements. When taken in low quantities, marijuana, which is scientifically known as cannabis, becomes a depressant drug, which slows down the body’s systems. In the early 19th century the use of ‘dope’ spread to Europe from the Middle East and China, and by the middle of the century onto America. In 1937, cannabis was made illegal to possess and sell in the U. S. it has still being used as a popular recreational substance by some people. However, in some places it is still legal to smoke marijuana for medical purposes, because it suppresses nausea caused by chemotherapy, and possibly reduces eye pressure in severe cases of glaucoma. Pupils may become dilated, heart rate and blood pressure may increase, or a sense of well-being and relaxation all can occur, there are many more side effects that may transpire if LSD is taken. Morphine is the most effective painkiller. Morphine is what is left in the unripe seedpods of the opium poppy after the milky juice has been extracted. Morphine doesn’t diminish pain but changes the way a person perceives it, because of this morphine has become one of the most valuable drugs in medicine. Morphine is addictive and it creates a tolerance so that a person who takes morphine needs to take more every time to reach the same relief. This drug can cause death because it depresses the function in the brain that controls breathing and so a person taking high doses of morphine can go into respiratory arrest. Codeine is an alkaloid drug that is derived from opium. Codeine is often prescribed as an analgesic, cough suppressant or a hypnotic, because it has effects similar to morphine. Heroin is the most dangerous and expensive narcotic analgesic. The greatest risk from injection of heroin is death from overdose. In one year in the US 1% of all heroin addicts will die despite having a high tolerance for heroin in their system. Tolerance to heroin can change from day to day; studies are being done to see if it is because of change of environment. Heroin gives the user a much more euphoric experience than any other opiate, but has fewer side effects. There are several different forms of heroin. Pharmaceutical heroin was illegally available in the 1960’s as a white powder this form was obtained from pharmacy and hospital thefts, or in ‘Jacks’ a 10mg tablet made specifically for injection. Today the most seen form of pharmaceutical heroin is dry amp, which is injectable and can be bought in 10mg, 60mg, and 100mg. This drug is often referred to as the ‘holy grail for opiate users’. Far eastern heroin came to America after laws changed and heroin became illegal. It became very hard for addicts to get heroin so they turned to the black market where the Chinese met the demand for heroin. This type of heroin came in two different brands: Pink Elephant and Tiger Rice Brand. Amphetamine is structurally related to ephedrine and adrenaline. Amphetamine is a cheap and synthetic alternate to ephedra. It is commonly used to dilate the small bronchial sacs in lungs. These drugs are prescribed for depression, Parkinson’s disease, epilepsy, travel-sickness, night-blindness, and obesity, narcolepsy, impotency, hyperactivity in children, and boredom in seniors. When used amphetamines release excitatory neurotransmitters, dopamine, and noradrenaline, from where it is stored in the central nervous system. Amphetamines can be sniffed, swallowed, snorted or injected. It induces exhilarating feelings of power, strength; energy, self-assertion, focus, and enhanced motion, the need to sleep and eat disappear. When the dopamine is released, it induces a sense of euphoria, which unlike cocaine, can last for many hours. Since the body does not readily break down amphetamines, feelings are intensified. After the euphoria ends, then the user feels intense depression and fatigue. Speed is one form of amphetamine that is commonly linked with violent and anti-social behavior. When used in small doses and infrequently it has relatively no harmful effect on the body, but when used heavily in chronic doses it can lead violent behavior, depressive disorders and â€Å"meth bugs†. Speed is a cocaine-induced formication and has a strain on the cardiovascular system which causes increased behavioral disintegration and outright â€Å"amphetamine psychosis†. A common drug that is mainly associated with the rave and nightclub scene is Ecstasy, it is actually called MDMA. Ecstasy or ‘E’ is a psychedelic amphetamine, which produces strong feelings of comfort, empathy, and connection to others. It is often bought in tablets and taken orally but can also be crushed into a powder and snorted. Sometimes ‘E’ is used in therapy to get the patient to open up since the therapist will no longer seem like a doctor but more like a loved one. Methamphetamine is very addictive and creates tolerance. When used, they create a feeling of extreme elation, wakefulness, alertness, enhanced self-confidence, aggression, talkativeness, loss of appetite, increased initiative, and an increase in physical activities, which is followed by prolonged depression and fatigue. When bought on the street it is an odorless white or off-white bitter powder, or else in pills, capsules, or large crystals. It is frequently snorted, but can be swallowed, smoked or injected. When it is smoked the effects can be prolonged for up to twenty-four hours. When it is smoked in it’s base form methamphetamines are generally called snot because of the resemblance between the drug and the mucus from a nose. Withdrawal creates severe cravings, deep depression, fatigue, apathy, paranoia, and psychosis. A form of Methamphetamine is Ice or Crystal Meth, which is crystallized methamphetamine hydrochloride, is a powerful stimulant. The clear, crystallized chunks dissolve in water and breaks down to smaller particles. This drug induces a profound sense of euphoria in users by blocking the reuptake in the brain and stimulating the release of dopamine and noradrenaline in the central nervous system. It is frequently labeled the ‘Power Drug’. Cocaine came into common use after a German doctor issued it to Bavarian Soldiers in 1883. Cocaine is a naturally derived central nervous system stimulant that is extracted and refined from the coca plant, which is grown primarily in the Andean region of South America. It is a whitish powder, which is bitter and numbing to taste. It is often snorted but can also be injected or swallowed. Since it burns instead of vaporizing it cannot be smoked but a derivative was produced called crack, which is used for smoking. Removing a hydrochloride from cocaine makes crack. Both cocaine and crack are highly addictive and creates tolerance. Cocaine and crack use during pregnancy can cause major problems including birth defects and stillbirths. Cocaine or crack can be passed to the baby through breastfeeding. Psychoactive drugs are both helpful and harmful and by categorizing them it is possible to tell which part of the brain they stimulate. The search for euphoria is not that abnormal. Our bodies hold us back and it is human nature to want to get around this. Naturally some people are drawn in by the appeal of drugs. These wishes are not naive and they are not essentially evil. Perhaps before attempting to experiment with drugs it is important to first understand them. Drugs do not give us any new sensations; they only intensify existing sensations by manipulating pre-existing brain structures.

Wednesday, November 6, 2019

How to Celebrate Earth Day - Ideas

How to Celebrate Earth Day - Ideas Question: What Can I Do to Celebrate Earth Day? There are a number of ways you can celebrate Earth Day and demonstrate your commitment to addressing environmental issues. Answer: You can honor Earth Day by showing your awareness of environmental issues and by letting others know what they can do to make a difference. Even small actions can have great consequences! How To Celebrate Earth Day - Ideas Here are some activities to show you care about the environment. Remember, even if you make a small change, it can make a big difference over time. pick up litterstart a compost bin, at home or at schoolrecycle or set up a recycling stationturn off the water when you brush your teethswitch to online bill payments rather than paper billsuse public transportationturn down your water heaterinstall energy efficient lightsplant a treemake a pinecone and peanut butter bird feederstart a garden, indoors or outsidemake art from trash or otherwise re-purpose waste If you stop to think about it, there are dozens of ways you can lighten your load on the environment and promote a healthy ecosystem.

Monday, November 4, 2019

Microeconomics Coursework Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2250 words

Microeconomics - Coursework Example Keeping the cash will mean there will be no gain, but one enjoys a high liquidity preference of their cash. However, the future of the market performance is oblique. In the event inflation hit the economy, the money will have greatly lost its value and one would have wished making an earlier investment on either stock or bonds could have been a better option. Investing their money in either stock or bonds is always dilemmatic. An individual is ever sure of safety of money value invested in government bonds than in corporate stock. The value of government bonds depends on the performance of GDP; it could either decrease or increase annually. Assuming a GDP of 7%, the value of the bond that year would be similar to GDP. In such cases, the stock value is always higher than that of bond by 1% or 2%. A person who decided to invest in corporate stock that year will enjoy accrued savings of their investment at either 8% or 9% while one who invested in bonds will only enjoy 7%. The differenc e of the two becomes the risk premium. Risky situations have a high attached risk premium. There are many mechanisms an individual can explore to minimize risk. To begin with, one can just say no. For example, uncertain luxurious investments to improve one’s status in the society can be avoided. One may have a strong desire to purchase the most coveted natural Cornflower Blue Sapphire.There are two possible outcomes: purchasing a genuine sapphire or duped with a copy. Bearing in mind that one lacks the capacity to distinguish between a genuine and a counterfeit, there are two underlying benefits of varied proportions. If one goes ahead and it is a genuine one, he becomes $ 120 rich otherwise, $10 richer. In such scenario, saying no would avert possible looming risk. Secondly, one can obtain factual information before making a decision. An investor who is interested in a particular corporate stock and lacks information or have scanty facts regarding the stock performance can i nquire before putting life savings into it. Information gathered in light of the corporate stock performance in the past few years or quarters may lead one to make informed decisions. A clear indication of a possible decline in the stock value that particular period would deter one from investing because at the end of the day everyone wants to see the value of their assets rising and with great stability. When one obtains information about something whether it has monetary value or not, the decision made will ultimately avert risk associated with it. Thirdly, an individual can diversify the risk. This can be done when the two events are perfectly negatively correlated (Perloff, 2011). A perfectly negatively correlated event according to Perloff refers to an event where one of the two possible outcomes must happen with great certainty. Assuming the government wants to give the tender to either IBM or Apple to supply its various departments with computers and other accessories during the next financial year. There are two possible outcomes: a win and a loss. It is absolutely clear one company must win the tender. When an individual purchase the shares of the winning company, each share value is $50 otherwise $10. One may then decide to purchase an equal share of each company just to be at the fair edge. Assuming a purchase of 5 shares, the total

Friday, November 1, 2019

Argument assignment Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Argument assignment - Essay Example The system insists on the normality of homosexuality at this stage (Walker). In the second grade, children will be taught about the words to refer to homosexuals since calling them gay is seen as been impolite and spiteful (Walker). In the third grade, children will be taught about media presentation of gender. The system aims at making the impression that morals are not collective and will deconstruct the moral values that these children have already acquired. The fourth graders will learn about the equableness of both sexes in order to discredit notions that have been presented for decades by people. The move aims at acknowledging equality in talents, strengths, attributes and optimism in prospect lives (Walker). The system aims at presenting children with the realities of existence that is most denied to children by their relations. Montana Family Council together with the parents have expressed outrage at the system, arguing that children at kindergarten are not emotionally mature, to be taught sexual education. The system cannot be regarded appropriate at such an age since the children have miniature or no idea of the happenings in their sexual life. Therefore, it ought to be taught at an age when clear understanding is guaranteed. The author presents the idea that the system is not morally appropriate since most these children are not mature to comprehend the issues that the system addresses. Presentation of the idea that both sexes are equal in all aspects can be considered a logical fallacy since it can be proven to be