Political campaigns Essay

Political campaigns also provide much to reflect and think upon. They are also vastly entertaining particularly as the gloves come out and opposing parties start to play for keeps. Campaign ads are a powerful tool to cast yourself in a specific way, like trustworthy, honourable, and ready to get things done. However they can also be used to make your opponent look foolish, incompetent etc. A well written and developed add can be very affective no matter the content but some ads just go above and beyond. My favourite political add from 2006 was the Western for Bill Richardson for Governor. This ad is a particular favourite not for who was running but for the creativity of the ad. What is more American than a western? The commercial is quintessentially American. Sheriffs are naturally portrayed as being honest, trustworthy, brave, ready to right wrongs, ready to fight. Just by portraying Bill Richardson as the sheriff all of these virtues are implied without having to even mention them. It is a great parallel that some of Richardson’s accomplishments mesh with traditional sheriff duties such as jailing of violent criminals. Not only is the western traditional and symbolic but the humour that is displayed at the end just adds to the campaign. It shows that Richardson is not afraid to have fun and laugh at himself a bit. After all what sheriff would walk into a saloon and ask for milk. In the old days that would be the beginning of a fight right then and there. This commercial was particularly well done. It told an interesting story particularly in pictures and it played to Richardson’s strengths. It is a traditional campaign move to attack your opponents and display them in a negative like but I appreciate how Richardson keeps the focus on himself. After all if you are trying to promote yourself the best way is to show your strengths. Someone will display the opposition’s weakness; it always happens so why not try to have some fun. This political add looked like a lot of fun and I am sure Richardson had a lot of fun making it.

Advantages & Disadvantages of E-Learning

E-learning is a broad term that generally refers to any kind of learning done with a computer and Internet connection or CD-ROM. It is used by individuals, educational institutions and businesses. As with any type of learning, it works better for some than others. The quality of e-learning has improved in recent years, as teachers and students have become more comfortable with the technology. 1. Considerations * E-learning is an excellent option in education, particularly when there are hindrances to traditional learning situations.For example, some people wish to continue their educations but do not live within driving distance of a college or university and don't find it feasible to relocate. E-learning is a viable alternative for these students. Another hindrance to traditional learning, especially in grades K through 12, is the â€Å"one size fits all† mentality it embraces. Many students just do not learn well in a traditional learning environment, but thrive in a more fl exible setting. To address this issue, parents are turning to e-learning opportunities for their children.Some choose full-time enrollment in a virtual school, while others use e-learning to supplement a home school curriculum. In the business world, e-learning provides a way for companies to train and instruct employees without requiring them to travel to a central location. Advantages * Convenience is one of the major advantages of e-learning. It allows students to work and learn at their own pace without the unyielding time restrictions of traditional learning. Because e-learning provides access to learning materials at any time, students have the flexibility to schedule around families, jobs and other activities.Another major benefit of e-learning is the accessibility it provides. Students can learn from anywhere in the world. This is an especially important consideration for students who wish to study in a different country. In addition, because e-learning can be done from home , students have less clothing and driving expenses than with traditional learning. Disadvantages * A major disadvantage to e-learning is the self-discipline it requires. While being able to work at your own pace can be an advantage, it can also be a disadvantage.This is especially true for students who have difficulty with time management and procrastination. These students tend to be more successful with the structure of traditional learning. Another disadvantage to e-learning is the technology involved. Some people do not have ready access to a computer and Internet connection. And some who do have the required equipment feel ill-equipped to use it. Lack of interaction between teacher and student is another drawback to e-learning. Some students need the immediate feedback that interaction provides. Types * There are several types of e-learning situations.The most common include taking a single course online, full-time enrollment in an online high school or college, distance learni ng via satellite and learning from information on a CD-ROM. Many businesses and organizations offer training for their employees using various e-learning methods. Warning * E-learning greatly increases the availability of educational opportunities. Unfortunately, it also increases the number of scams related to online education. Persons considering e-learning possibilities should be alert to such scams and thoroughly investigate any program before making a commitment.

Rizal as a role-model for students

Rizal Submitted by: Jose Marcko Durano Submitted to: Sir Parawan Rizal, American sponsored Hero |Rizal was an American-sponsored hero | Rector’s Bill |Claro M. Recto Foundation | Why is Rizal the National hero? |Jose Rizal | Discovery in Binyan Jose Rizal |Jose Rizal | Blumentritt’s role in the propaganda war |Ferdinand Blumentritt | Rizal’s stinginess |Rizal’s stinginess |Rizal as a role-model for students |Liability | What did Rizal read? |He grew up in a home with a large | |library. | ———————– He became the national hero only because of the Americans who sponsored and encouraged the Rizal cult. Andres Bonifacio made Rizal the honorary president of KKK. KKK First Asians to rebel against a Western colonial power and establish a republic. A traitor to the revolution. The greatest Malay who ever lived. Aguinaldo declared this day to be an annual â€Å"Day of National Mourning. †December 1898 Th e Rizal course is coded as PI 100; Putang Ina 100. Made the Rizal bill. Student’s feel it’s useless studying this. Students today don’t appreciate much studying Rizal’s life. He was one man who was willing to risk losing votes because of his principles. Catholics schools threatened to close shop if the Rizal bill passed. Recto’s bill passed the law on 1956. Hero of all heroes. Spirit of Revolution â€Å"My dreams have always guided my actions. † He was a quiet, peaceful man who wilfully and calmly walked to his death former convictions. Unconscious hero. † Jose Potracio Rizal Mercado Y Realonda – Alonzo Teodora Alonzo Realonda Francis Mercado June 19, 1861 Regina Ursua Manuel de Qunito Brigada de Quintos Lorenzo Alberto Alonzo Domingo Lamco Ines Dela Rosa Cirila Bernacha Francisco Mercado Good friend and correspondent of Rizal. He attacked anti-Filipino writers. First European scholars o specialized in Phils. Studies. He was wal king around, peeking and salivating. He goes back to the apartment as if he had eaten already. His allowance was delayed. Pride and seriousnessThrifty Rizal did not like the idea of supplying the drinks for the party. Going in to Rizal’s school, they would be left with no â€Å"free† time. Because we had to give up fun and games to read and study. Most students today doubt Rizal’s accomplishments. He saves his allowance to buy books. Honore de Balzac, Alexandre Dumas, and Count of Monte Cristo. He read a lot of French literature. Rizal owned a valuable collection of over 2,000 books. He owned dictionaries and three different versions of the bible. Rizal also owned a lot of picture books.

The Impact of Multinationals on Economic Growth and Prosperity in Essay

The Impact of Multinationals on Economic Growth and Prosperity in Developing Countries - Essay Example This essay offers a comprehensive review of the influence, exerted by multinational companies, on the growth of developing economies. In the paper, four examples of successful beneficial co-operation between Indian government and multinational companies are provided. Globalisation leads to liberalisation. In economic terminology, governments use the term liberalisation to indicate an open economy system. Governments attract FDI through attractive incentives and subsidies. Multinationals are encouraged to invest and produce goods and services for local and external consumption. There is an unimpeded flow of goods and services between economic jurisdictions. Multinational companies in their activities look for political stability, a strong skilled workforce, and profits, as prerogatives for investment. Countries that attract such investors look at capital investment flow, equity participation, and employment benefits for its workforce. Consumers also benefit from quality international products at low costs. The topic of globalisation became intense in 1990s, when major players began to debate on the benefits developing countries could have from it. Most third world countries were under pressure to clear debts, intense illiteracy, unemployment, poverty and infrastructural development. Most experts were unanimous that most developing countries required foreign direct investment to bail them out of their debts. This could be done only if the countries were willing to share the fruits of investment and provide equal leverage.

Raising the Minimum wage in the state of Illinois Essay

Raising the Minimum wage in the state of Illinois - Essay Example Most agree that employees who work full-time hours should be paid a wage sufficient so as to allow them to provide for their most essential needs which current minimum wage in Illinois does not accomplish. For workers in Mississippi, for example, $7.50 may be enough to subsist but the cost of living is substantially lower in Vicksburg than in Chicago. Opponents to further increasing the minimum wage in Illinois argue that prices to consumers will increase, workers will lose their jobs and the inflation rate will rise. This paper demonstrates that raising the minimum wage is practical for all concerned, workers, employers and the economy as a whole. It also reduces criminal activity and slows the adverse effects of outsourcing which ships American jobs overseas. The minimum wage law was established by the federal then some state government to assure that this ideal was a realization. The rationale behind a minimum wage, intended for the least skilled and educated persons in the workforce, is to raise their earnings in order to offset the forces that drive the market down which would otherwise reduce their buying power. The welfare system, workers’ compensation and unemployment insurance established by the 1930’s New Deal to provide assistance to the poor, in part, still exist today. The economic conditions of the time demanded that the solutions foster relations between the oppressive capitalist class and the working class. Labor unions lobbied for minimum wages and other worker benefits including employers’ liability laws, social reformers worked for maximum hours for women workers, factory inspections, child-labor laws, and anti-sweatshop laws† (Baker, 2003). Backed by the ‘New Dealers,’ these issue s were addressed on the federal level. Raising the minimum wage allows those who make minimum salaries to keep up with inflation. It will also help those that need it the

Strategics Management Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Strategics Management - Research Paper Example The following table presents SWOT analysis of Kellogg in the competitive environment Considering the Strength, Kellogg has its presence in 17 countries and its product is being marketed across the globe. Since the company has established esteemed international operations, it can enjoy the cost and tax incentives of the other countries. In addition, the company also displays distinguished financial credibility and its shares are listed on one of the biggest stock exchanges of the world. A sound financial outlook always attracts investors to invest in the operations of an organization. Kellogg can easily raise capital by issuing new shares in the stock market and it can certainly be expected that the issue would be completely subscribed. Another source through which the company can raise finance for the expansion of its operation is through debt. Banks and financial institutions are likely to sanctions credit facilities to companies having credible financial outlook. The only weakness that is apparent from the ongoing operations of the company is that Kellogg has not updated its product line with the passage of time. Its production line still contains items that were originally developed over 50 years ago. Regarding the threats, the company faces fierce competition from several firms in the food industry who possess the volume and potential to outcast the company by introducing more sophisticated products and ingenious production strategies. Apart from that, the company also faces threats from store brand products which are cheaper to sell for the retailers. In addition to the discussed, it appears that the company has placed too much reliance on the discount merchandisers. These giant stores have the potential of exerting pressure on the company’s margin and forcing them to sale their products on lower prices. In the recent past, the company has started incurring expenditure in making its food items more nutritious and healthy. Kellogg is one of the first one to use the oil to lower levels of trans fat and unsaturated fats in its products. This venture can prove to be full of opportunities for the company. The company earns 66% of its revenue from the North America, and since the recent demographic studies suggests that people are becoming more diet conscious due to the prevailing obesity related disease, Kellogg’s investment in the modified and nutrition enriched food products is likely to reaps positive results. (b) Porter’s five forces model is an effective tool in exploring the competitive forces of the environment in which the organization operates. It allows the business to critically analyze its current business strategy and formulate one which can allow it to achieve a competitive position in the market. The first competitive force according to the model is the entry of new competitors into the market. New entrants might be able to capture some of the market share of Kellogg and will adversely affect the profit ability. With the implementation of sophisticated data gathering software, Kellogg can repel this threat to its business. The sales department can maintain a database of the orders which can significantly assist in identifying which product is most popular among the customers. This information can

Educational Leadership Scenario Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Educational Leadership Scenario - Essay Example (2001). Management pertains to the effort of utilizing resources towards the fulfillment of the organizational mission in an efficient, effective, and ethical manner. In contrast, school leadership is focused on the mission and the vision of the organization rather than its goal. The emphasis of management is on the management and accountability of school resources. In a sense, Effective leaders identify and understand their preferred and natural leadership style. These leaders have command of a variety of leadership styles and aptly match the correct style to the needs of a particular situation. In addition, effective leaders know that a high level of input and participation is sometimes necessary for decision-making and understand the skills, talents and styles of those who work for them. There are four main leadership models: Peters and Waterman's In Search of Excellence; Covey's-The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People; Wheatley's Leadership and the New Science and Deming's, Out of the Crisis. Peters and Waterman stated that leaders must focus on people and on the tasks of an organization. Peters and Waterman also feature the attributes of effective leaders: bias for action, staying close to the customer or the clientele, autonomy and entrepreneurship, productivity through people and hands-on and value driven. (Peters and Waterman, 1982). Covey (1989) posits that the success of an organization depends on the development of and commitment to a shared vision of the organization at its best. He stated seven principles of effective living: responsibility, integrity, respect, mutual understanding, patience and purpose. Proactivity, the first habit, refers to the ability to take charge of situations. The second habit is to begin with the end in mind. This means that one fulfills the goal. The third is putting "first things first". The fourth is that leaders think, "win-win." The fifth is that leaders seek first to understand. The sixth is that leaders create new alternatives to old and to static ways of knowing. The seventh is that leaders seek self-improvement consistently. (Covey, 1989) Wheatley (1989) believed that leaders should focus on order rather than control in organizations. He stated that leaders should recognize the ebb and flow or to the order and chaos in an organization. According to him, chaos in an organization is useful in that it stimulates growth and evolution. Leaders then should allow disequilibrium and discomfort in an organization to stimulate growth and evolution rather than exerting control to bring the organization back into equilibrium. Wheatley posits that order and chaos are both natural states of an organization, each with its own purpose. It is natural for organizations to have periods of chaos and periods of order.Deming (1984) had emphasized collaboration and teamwork among workers and managers. Each worker is focused on their appropriate role in the organization with productivity in mind. All the members of the organization have quality improvement as a goal. The Total Quality Management organization (TQM) improves quality, serves a nd satisfies the customer, encourages innovation, communicates information freely, addresses problems in the system, not the employees, takes pride in quality work, promotes

Vladimir Propp and James Bond Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Vladimir Propp and James Bond - Essay Example He planned to rob gold from Fort Knox by means of killing the troops of guards that surrounds the area. However, Bond’s step to seduce Galore makes a dramatic change to his plan and forces him to escape during the battle of his men and of the army in Fort Knox. He manages to get away by disguising as a military officer. Later, he plans to escape to Cuba but died in an encounter with Bond as he fires his pistol against the window’s glass that makes him sucked out of the plane’s window. Oddjob (Harold Sakata)-the quiet henchman of Goldfinger that killed Jill and Tilly Masterson. He wears a top hat with blades that he uses as a weapon. He died in a fight against James Bond in the vault in Fort Knox as he attempts to get his hat stuck in a metal. Bond grab a live electric wire and touch it to the metal causing electric shock that kills Oddjob. Pussy Galore (Honor Blackman)-Goldfinger’s sexy pilot. She has the responsibility together with the squadron of girl pilots to spray nerve gas in the surrounding area of Fort Knox. However, Bond seduces her and manages to convince her to spray a harmless alternative instead of nerve gas. At the end she survived the plane crash, parachuting out of the plane together with Bond as Goldfinger is being sucked out of the plane. Jill Masterson (Shirley Eaton)-A girl that monitors Goldfinger opponent’s card and gets distracted with James Bond, causing her to betray Goldfinger. She develops an affair with Bond but later meets her death in the hands of Oddman (Goldfinger’s henchman). Her whole body is painted with gold and died in suffocation. Tilly Masterson (Tania Mallet)-Jill Masterson’s sister that tries to shoot Goldfinger. Bond stops her and started their chase. She does not match with Bond’s hi-tech car and makes her obliged to ride Bond’s. She died as she tries to shoot Goldfinger when she breaks in

Drug and Alcohol Addiction Research Proposal Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Drug and Alcohol Addiction - Research Proposal Example This research will begin with the statement that drug and alcohol addiction has been one chief source of various ills in our society which deserves to be addressed seriously for an intensive permanent resolution. We can never deny the fact that somewhere in history, alcohol drinking and substance use have heretofore prevailed to be part of our culture and we have often found a great deal of change through them in terms of economy and socio-political affairs from societal to global scale. Like poverty and the cold war between nations, drug and alcohol addiction is an appalling crisis that would not cease to torment and misshape the moral sphere of living. On this ground, I have decided to conduct further research on drug and alcohol addiction, being a subject area of huge significance especially in determining certain causes or factors if issues that emerge out of trouble within the family, search for identity, the problem with career, and several other more personal conflicts.  To me, it is quite essential to examine individual concerns that are directly influenced by addiction to alcohol and drug since an addicted drug user or alcohol drinker eventually affects other people in his circle. As observed in reality, every person who has abused the use of drugs and alcohol bears a negative impact on the lives of others who may commit quality-of-life crimes themselves. Moreover, studies demonstrate that drug and alcohol addiction is widely associated to cases of human trafficking, murder, sexual assault, theft and robbery, juvenile delinquencies, different forms of violence, suicide, and other criminal or unlawful acts that run contrary to promoting ethics, health, and life of peace. The paper would aim as well to cover discussion of the existing measures implemented by the American government, how effective these measures are, and what else can be done to improve such measures on preventing and possibly finding solutions to eradicate drug and alcohol addiction co mpletely among the youth.

Radiation Therapy Essay Example for Free

Radiation Therapy Essay ABSTRACT:   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Radiation Therapy now enjoys its position as a therapeutic and an adjuvant therapy among the cancer patients and cases. The use of radiotherapy is a very serious decision which is taken after much thought about the patient’s case and requires much cooperation from the patient and support from the oncology team that provides it. Current oncology teams work together to create an environment which is both friendly for the patient as well as less confusing, so that the patient is able to go through the phase of treatment with out any complications. Each person in the radiology team takes care of a particular aspect of radiotherapy treatment, and together they ensure a good outcome and result for the patient. THE ROLE OF RADIATION THERAPY IN CANCER MANAGEMENT   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Of the many methods used in today’s cancer treatment regimes, radiation therapy has become one of the crucial components of the therapy. The therapy where radiation rays are used to destroy cancer cells has now become an advanced field of research and development. This area has now become a separate area of specialization, and various developments are helping doctors give better prognosis to their patients. Due to minimized anxiety attacks   among patients, they become more optimistic about recovery and are less distressed on the possibility of death. Patients of this kind of therapy have better psychological health and have less depressive symptoms caused by their disease.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Radiation therapy is not required to all cancer patients. It is not always involved in the management of all organs and body sites affected by cancer cells. This treatment is only recommended on certain types of cancer as other situations only call for surgical procedures in preventing further cancer metastasis and to eliminate cancer cells in the body.   An important adjuvant to cancer therapy, it is used as an alternative to surgical procedures that cannot be carried out on a patient. Radiation therapy is a common procedure in breast and lung cancers as well as in brain cancer, colorectal carcinomas and skin cancers of the face. (Florida Cancer Care News, 2006)   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   In the USA, the main issue of debate and concern among the clinicians is the poorer prognosis rates in the USA patients due to cancer when compared to other countries of Europe. This has been attributed to the type of care given in each country, and has led to intense concentration on methods that improve recovery outcomes.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   These concerns have led to five areas of intense activity in the area of cancer therapy, as stated by Tattersall and Thomas, (1999). There are now multidisciplinary teams that specialize in one or two specific organs and provide treatment and care to those specific cancer patients. There have been increased efforts to improve the organizational setup of the cancer therapy and delivery setups. Clearer treatment goals now exist, along with increased awareness in the public about the different aspects of cancer, cancer therapy and the role of trials in the development of better alternatives and cures for the future. Now current research is aiming to derive benefits from matrix metallo proteinase inhibitors, gene therapies and cancer vaccines. (Tattersal and Thomas, 1999) All these areas of activity are hoped to increase the patient outcomes significantly in the future and help in creating better alternative solutions to cancer treatments. Team Members in Radiation Therapy Treatment Plans     Ã‚  Ã‚   The advancements in this field have led to increase in the number of professionals in this field. Each has a unique and an important role to play in the treatment procedure. The radiation therapists mainly work in conjunction with the medical doctor and with them discuss the individual cases that are considered for radiation therapy. Of these the suitable cases are selected and the radiation treatment is then started under the guidance of the radiation oncologist The decision making process in radiation therapy is absolutely critical, as the radiation oncologist decides the amount and intensity of the dose each patient will get according to the individual factors and more importantly the state of the cancer.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   A radiation department in any organization will consist of multiple workers and members, each having a significant role to play in the treatment of the patient. These include the clinical oncologists or radiologists, the radiographers, radiation therapists and the dosimetrists, the physicist, the mould room technicians, the nursing staff, the students and the R.T aides and assistants and other members such as social workers, palliative care team, counselors, and secretaries and clerical staffs. (Cancer Backup, 2005 and American Society of Radiologic Technologists, 2007). Stimulation is the initial step in the radiation treatment where a radiation therapist takes x-ray images and utilize this to locate the tumor. Other methods such as CT scans can also be used in order to minimize tissue damage in the patient, ensuring that only the carcinogenic cells are destroyed. Together with a radiation oncologist and a dosimetrist, they customize a treatment plan for the patient (Radiation Therapists 2006). Both clinical oncologists and radiologists are concerned with minimal invasive methods in treating cancer cases. According to the Royal   College of Radiologists (2007), radiologists   are medical specialists that conduct imaging services in order to provide patients the proper diagnosis. Oncologists on the other hand are specialists trained to manage cancer in non-surgical forms of treatment. They usually recommend procedures such as chemotherapy, hormone therapy, and radioactive isotopes. After taking the image of the affected organ of the body, this is to be interpreted by another specialist in order to prescribe and execute the proper treatment. This is a task attended by professionals called radiographers (Radiography and Radiographers). Dosimetrists are primarily concerned on the proper dosage to be administered to a patient. They scan patients and use CT data or other measurements in order to provide patients the proper treatment plan (Medical Dosimetrists, 2004).   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The members of the radiation team that are outside of the department faculty but help in the procedures include the referring faculties, physicians, radiologists and emergency departments, the industry vendors, the patients and their family members, the instructors or directors of the radiology programs, the insurance companies, the governmental and regulatory agencies and the accrediting agencies, if applicable. (American Society of Radiologic Technologists, 2007)   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The radiation team is perhaps the most integrated and interconnected team compared to other sections of the medical health care. The realization of the need for team work in reducing confusion, promoting smoothness and harmony in the care of the patient was realized long ago, however, it was not implemented fully in many medical and surgical areas. The results have shown lags or gaps in the treatment of care. Many of the current radiology departments have learned from the lessons of the past, and now term themselves as the radiology team who take care of the patient through all the stages of the radiotherapy treatment. (Kaprich, 2003) This has led to not only improvement in the care of the patients, but also in the hospital management and organization matters as well as job satisfaction levels. The level of communication between the different contributors of the department has improved and therefore, shows a much prompt and informed response in the care of various pa tients. (Kaprich, 2003) Radiation Therapists   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Advancement of technology has given professionals access to different methods that enable the correct identification and location of cancer cells which are the specific targets of the ionizing energy of radiation and preventing tissue cell damage. With this directed and controlled use of radiation, there is a reduced manifestation of side effects due to the treatment patients receive, and there is an expedited recovery of patients. (M.D Anderson Cancer Center, 2007) Together with the doctor, a radiation therapist is responsible for the patients familiarization of the radiation treatment procedure. This will allow the patient to become aware of the possible problems that may arise and to answer any reservations that the patient may have. Therefore, a radiation therapist is expected to be present throughout the treatment period. Nurses in Radiation Oncology   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The inclusion of nurses in this field of radiation oncology is fairly recent. However, this has now become an integrated and competent player in the caring of cancer patients in the radiology department.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The role of nurses have evolved in this field, as many of them have been tasked to carry out many of the advanced procedures in the treatment process. Both preoperative and operative care are executed by these nurses, making them indispensable in the success of the patients recovery.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Currently, the responsibilities given to the nursing staff include both basic and advanced tasks. The basic tasks include education and caring of the patient with in the department and helping others in carrying out researches and other projects. Nurses work towards creating an environment both among themselves and among the different staff members to create an open, friendly environment that ensures better outcomes. Along side, the nurses are responsible for their own education and growth within the field, and opportunities to increase and improve competencies within the staff. The nurses are therefore, working primarily in creating an environment that improves the patient care and outcomes, as well as improve the communication between the various contributors to the field. (Kaprich, 2003) In oncology, the roles of nurses in the treatment process is considered an integral part of the overall healthcare. The primary purpose of providing nursing care is to allow the patients to become independent through the development of their physical, psychical, and social abilities. It is significant in preserving, strengthening and protecting health, and nursing patients and rehabilitating them (Basic Principles of Nursing ). Physicists in the Field of Radiation Therapy   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Another significant member of the team of professionals in radiation oncology are the physicists. This specialist is responsible for giving the patient optimum radiation therapy procedures that would ensure minimal health risks and maximum efficacy. Due to the delicate nature of their job, these physicists are expected to be highly professional and equipped with the proper training in conducting their tasks. Part of the job that physicists have is that they should select the proper radiation instruments to be used, the budget preparation and the sequence of procedure execution. Due to this technical knowledge, physicists are important in identifying and rectifying problems that could possibly transpire. But this specialist is not confined in his technical role as his position requires that he collaborates with both oncologists and radiation therapists in determining the proper dosage, duration, timing, frequency and type of radiation therapy to be administered to a patient. Since the availability of x-rays, physicists have exploited this technology of medical imaging, which is vital to medical research advancement. Fundamental research in optics, acoustics, electromagnetism, and particle and nuclear physics have led to an array of indispensable medical tools. Magnetic resonance images, CAT scans, PET scans, and various types of radiotherapy are among the physics-based devices that help doctors diagnose and treat ailments ranging from broken bones to cancer. Ultrasound machines, for example, are made possible through our understanding of the physics of sound waves, and the prenatal images they produce are now so common that they are a cultural symbol of the joy of impending parenthood (Genetic Radiotherapy 2002). Cutting-edge techniques presented in the annual AAPM meeting scientific program will ultimately lead to tools as important to the medicine of tomorrow as x-ray and ultrasound images are today. (Asp et al, 1993)   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The use of ionizing radiation in the radiation field has led to many questions raised about the safety margins of these procedures. As stated before, there is a fine line of division between the therapeutic effects of radiation and the adverse effects of the radiotherapy. In this regard, the role of dosimetrists is essential to delineate the amount of dose necessary for each case. Dosimetrists play a role in treatment planning, mould room technology, brachytherapy and sealed source management, in-vivo dosimetry, quality control of equipment, and IT support. (Radiotherapy Provision in England, 2006) Dosimetrists for Dose Determination   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   A dosimetrist is actually responsible for the delivery of the proper dosage to be given to a patient. They are subordinates to doctors who work in close communication with the patient as well as their families. The person who actually delivers the dose of radiation each day is known as dosimetrist. These work under the doctor or the oncologist and are in close communication with the patient as well as the family members of the patient. The radiation dose decided for a patient is given to him or her in divided portions. The session itself is a small one, but the radiation therapist is the one who delivers it and communicates any changes in the patient to the oncologist.    Mental Health Support for Cancer Patients   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Radiation therapy is a big step of treatment in cancer patients and therefore, their mental and physical state is a very important clue and guide to the selectivity of the case for the therapy. Such patients begin one of the most difficult incidents of their lives by opting for radiotherapy. In this regard, they need the proper guidance, support, help and boost to help them get through the different stages of radiation therapy, and to improve chances of recovery. In many of such hospitals, the support programs are available which work with various social services to provide such cases with any required information they need. There are many things the patients undergo in this event. They either may undergo external radiation therapy treatment or an internal radiation treatment. In external radiation therapy, the patients are called to the radiation center 5 times a week and radiation is given to them. The two days off from radiation helps the normal cells to recup erate from the damage of the radiation procedure.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚     Patients after changing in hospital robes are asked to enter the radiation room especially designed for the purpose. After instructing the patient the proper position, the radiotherapist proceeds to his proper location where he would execute his task. The patient is asked to remain in a the said position where he is to receive a fixed radiation dose to the tumor affected area. After the completion of the session, the patient is then directed to leave and attend to normal daily matters. Patients in these stages undergo immense psychological as well as physical stress for which it is advised that they rest more to help the body restore itself in the normal manner. Since depression and anxiety are two most common features, the patients are advised to take part in activities that boost their morale and help them feel good about themselves. The support teams in this regard focus on providing and guiding patients to a good nutrition plan, to aid in better recovery from illness. Nausea is also among the problems that patients encounter but these can be easily handled through medication prescribed by your oncologist. Hair falling is another issue that usually resolves once chemotherapy is over. In summary, the radiation procedure is especially taxing for the patient who may need immense support and care at this crucial time, which becomes the responsibility of the family as well as the radiology team. (WebMD, 2007)    Internal Radiation Therapy   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Internal radiation therapy is another frequent option chosen by the oncologist in the treatment plan of many cancer patients. The high dose rate radiation therapy is a type of this internal radiation therapy where radioactive source is removed between treatments. In this case, the source of radiation is placed in direct proximity to the cancer area and is applied with small sophisticated machinery. This is in contrast to the use of heavy extensive radiation and machinery that is used in external radiation procedures. The substances used in these instances include iodine, cesium, iridium, phosphorus and palladium etc. This treatment has been given many names and is also known as brachytherapy, implant radiation therapy, interstitial, intracavitary or passage radiation. Internal radiation therapy however is a procedure that requires hospital care and attention, as well as isolation, for in this therapy; other people may get exposed to high radiation levels. Therefore, many cases of these may keep the patients for a day or two, during which the affect of the radiation substance would have worn off, and become useless. (Cancer Source, 2007)   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   It is important that once radiation therapy is carried out, the patient is seen and advised further about the future therapies or treatments. This is an essential part of the treatment modality. Mostly prior to the radiation therapy, the oncologist and the radiation therapist carry out the discussion about the possible side effects of the therapy and what a patient may expect afterwards. The doctor emphasizes the need of follow up care and the role of the patient to show up in time. These include many procedures, including regular medical checkups, screening and diagnostic procedures, endoscopy, blood work etc. All these help the clinician check on the health of the patient and the recovery status, and whether any complication is arising. The patients are asked about the status of their health and any signs and symptoms that the patient may be feeling. Patient is asked about pain, or any physical difficulty being experienced in daily routine. He or she is asked frequently about any medications, supplements and the dietary habits he or she is conducting. Emotional issues and problems as well as family histories are also taken into account in these visits. Such patients may be called after two months of the radiotherapy, and then asked about the status and any necessary investigations may be carried out. These visits may be tapered down to once a year if the prognosis is good and the patient is recovering successfully. The patients are however, asked to maintain the record of their illness and all of the treatment modalities carried out including medications and previous test results for future references. (National Cancer Institute, 2007) Effect of Radiotherapy on Nutritional State of Cancer Patients   Ã‚  Ã‚     Nutrition is a very important aspect in proceeding with the treatment. There are currently many studies conducted in determining the proper nutrition a cancer patient must receive. This is due to the fact that cancer treatments cause high energy expenditure among patients, leaving then in nutritional deficiency as they undergo radiation therapy. Several factors contribute to this problem. First is the fatigue that develops as a result of the treatment, which takes away the ability of the patient to take balanced nutrition. Second is the lack of hunger in such patients and third is the increased vomiting and nausea that these patients encounter during the treatment phase. In all these scenarios, the net result is the reduction in the nutritional capacity of the patients. This is especially true for patients who have cancers of the oral cavity, pharynx, esophagus or the gastrointestinal tract. Dietary and/or external supplementary nutritional sources are extremely important in such cases. Isenring, Capra and Bauer in 2004, claimed that nutritional therapy is an essential feature of the patient recovery plan in cancer radiotherapy. (Isenring et al, 2004)   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Researches conducted reveal the negative impact of radiation therapy on the patients nutritional health. There are obvious evidences that nutritional deficiencies are common to cancer patients, especially those suffering from cancer of the GI tract. Due to the imbalance between food intake and energy loss, malnutrition is inevitable. Most patients suffer from malnutrition in the radiation phase, because of this many hospitals now recommend that a compulsory health program be imposed on patients to ensure the proper provision of their nutrition. There are different claims as how to properly design these programs. Some suggest that amino acids and essential fatty acids are important in increasing bodys defenses and to improve patient recovery. A reduced fat diet, live yoghurt and fermented milk product use are now one of the most important components in the cancer nutrition plan. (Internet Health Library, 2007)   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Studies indicate the biggest danger due to malnutrition is the intense weight loss that the patient suffers from, which can lead to increased morbidity and mortality rates, reduction of the body’s defense systems and increased possibility of the return of the cancer, should any remaining cancerous tissue remains. While initial weight loss is of no serious consequence, continued weight reduction is a sign of concern. For many of the symptoms that the patient encounters, the options are presented for the specific issue. For example, mouth dryness is a common problem for the cancer patients. This increases their chances of oral infections, and therefore, patients are advised to chew on sugarless gums, increased intake of water, and using high moisture foods and fruits. Patients are advised to take small but frequent meals that are low on fat, to aid in digestion. Appetite stimulants are another good method of improving diet and appetite in such patients. Iron supplementation is advised to counter the effects of anemia, exercise may help in dealing with changes like menopausal states which cannot be given estrogen therapies. Patients in cancer cases tend to opt for more supplements and become less careful about the food that they eat. This should be the other way round, for natural food is the best nutritional supplement and helps in recovery faster. Fruits and vegetables are a high source of vitamins and minerals and can help in the recovery of the patients’ appetites. (Cancer Journal for Clinician, 2001) Physical and Mental Health Maintenance   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   As stated before, the cancer therapy is an intensely physically as well as emotionally demanding phase of treatment to a patient. In such circumstances, the need is for intense emotional support and encouragement. It is estimated that up to 40% of the patients may experience immense emotional distress during the cancer treatment, and therefore identification with proper counseling and guidance is very important for such cases. (Sollner et al, 2001) The problem lies in the correct identification of the cases undergoing distress and to understand the severity of the issue before hand. Many of the oncologists however, are unable to identify cases of distress which may cause complications at a later date. (Sollner et al, 2001) It is very important that oncologists are able to identify such cases and work accordingly for the benefit of the patient. Many social support groups are available in the hospitals that aim to help and guide the patients as well as their families t o better radiotherapy experience.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The concept of hospice has been indeed one of the methods with which care can be given to patients undergoing therapy. Somewhat of a recent concept in oncology care, hospice care has fast become a popular method among the patients. While hospice care is a good method, there are only three percent of the total cancer patients in a hospital that undergo radiation therapy. The issues here are different as the approvals for radiation are hard to get for the patient. Most of the hospice patients are senior age individuals with a mean age of 63 years admitted in the UK hospitals. (Lutz, Ashworth and Connor, 2005)   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The use of hospice care therefore becomes a complicated issue when decision to conduct radiotherapy for such individuals is considered. Many of the patients in this regard are actually cases of terminal cancer who need palliative care through radiotherapy. It is important to address the need of the dying patients and to provide them with the necessary care to help them get through the process with as minimum pain as possible. (Lutz, Ashworth and Connor, 2005)   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Usually there are three kinds of patients that undergo hospice care during radiotherapy. The first are those patients who do not have any one to take care of them during their radiotherapy session, and therefore the hospital provides it to them. The second are the patients who do not forgo the hospital admission, and third are those who are getting parenteral and tube nutrition, radiotherapy and chemotherapy and are getting transfusions. (Lorenz et al, 2004) In many of such cases the patients may have difficulty getting admission in the hospitals, despite falling into one of the above three categories. Access in such cases needs to be made smoother for the patients. (Lorenz et al, 2004)   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Current hospices are now a combination of inpatient and home care services. In the past this was not the case. Hospices and palliative care were considered a separate department and were accordingly handled. The development in this area has led to modern hospices with a home like feel for the patients to help them recover and feel psychologically better. It is to remember that hospice care in many patients is essentially palliative care, and includes symptom control, effective communication between patients and the doctors, rehabilitation and continuation of care, terminal care, support provision in bereavement, education and research.(Neill and Fallon, 1997) In other words current hospice is a refuge, a recuperant and an area of research all combined. Palliative care is again the domain of specialists in oncology and in other disciplines so as to give the best care there is possible to the patient. In cancer terminal patients, many efforts are carried out to make the stay of the patient more comfortable. After thorough evaluation and identifying the cause of pain in such patients, the administration of analgesics is undertaken. While primary drugs remain the same during the course of the treatment, the secondary drugs or the adjuvant drugs are added as the case may need. These may include some other drugs depending on the patient symptoms such as steroids, anti inflammatories, antidepressants, anti convulsants, and anti arrhythmic drugs. Issues of tolerance and toxicity are taken very seriously and patient progress in this regard is taken under constant observation. (Neill and Fallon, 1997)   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   There are many reasons cited by the patients about their preference of hospice care to home care. These include high professional care, easy to communicate and clarify issues of health and cancer stages, ease in the visitation in between the radiotherapy sessions with ample time for rest, and provision of support to the patient as well as the family members in the hospital settings. Such patients were satisfied about the exclusive team of care givers in the radiotherapy department, and a faculty that focuses on cancer patients only. However, areas of dissatisfaction among the patients include the problems encountered with the radiation units and machines, occasional lack of communication between the various members of the staff leading to problems in care provision, and problems in transporting patients from one department to the next. (Gavin et al, 2002) CONCLUSIONS:   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Radiotherapy is a field of intensive research and activity and is undergoing many changes and developments. Now there is a shift and interest from the conventional external beam radiotherapy procedures and there is more emphasis on the use of fractionation doses rather than single ones. This is especially seen to be beneficial for cases of head and neck cancers and improve the prognosis of the patients, as well as give them ample time to recover during the procedures. Some of the rules however, follow. For example the dosage of radiation is decided depending upon the size of the tumor mass. The larger the mass, the more it must receive the dosage of the radiation. Other methods of providing doses include hyperfractionation, which is twice daily delivery of the radiation, the accelerated fractionation, which aims to decrease the treatment period and to prevent the tumor from regrowing. Some of the techniques employed that prove to have relatively positive impacts are the concomitant boost technique, given once a day for three and a half weeks and twice a day in the final two week period, and the accelerated hyperfrationation, which combines the effects of both hyperfractionation and acclerated dosing. (Chow et al, 2001)   Oxygenation of tumor is also considered for treatment. It has been established that oxygen has the ability to modify radiation damage, that in malignant tumors, both oxygenation and tumor cell proliferation determine local tumor management after radiotherapy. However, there are currently insufficient explanations in correlating oxygenation status and tumor cell kinetics (Nordsmark et al. 1996). But according to the Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research (2005), Oxygen therapy uses ozone or hydrogen peroxide to supposedly add extra oxygen to your body. Proponents believe cancer cells need a low-oxygen environment to survive, and that flooding your body with extra oxygen will kill cancer cells. Ozone gas can be mixed with water or air, and users usually drink or inhale the solution. It can also be injected into a muscle. Hydrogen peroxide is sometimes injected into a vein, though it can also be administered rectally. Oxygen therapy hasnt been studied in people. Hydrogen peroxide bubbles in the blood can block blood flow and lead to death. An alternative cure or disease management for cancer patients is for them to undergo surgical procedures. This can be done for several reasons, it can be preventive or prophylactic, for diagnostic, staging, curative, and others. It is one of the oldest forms of cancer treatment that removes tumor and saves normal tissues (American Cancer Society 2007).   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Current treatment regimes are now utilizing the use of more sophisticated machinery that is able to specify the location of the tumor and provide therapy to that area only, so as to prevent damage to the normal tissues. The external beam therapy advancements are leading to improvements in the outcomes of the cancer patients and therefore is becoming a widely used procedure in cancer therapy. Internal radiation therapy is somewhat limited to the surgical procedures, where removal of the tumor is promptly followed by radiation therapy to ensure the removal of any viable cancer cells.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Cancer chemotherapy is advancing at a rapid rate and is now a need for the future. The increase in the rates of cancers worldwide has led to the formation of specified task forces aimed to identify the similarities of the problems faced by the patients, their families as well as the doctors in the care of such cases. With the increased length of the treatment with frequent recalls and visits, it is important that such treatments be carried out in coordination with the different members of the radiology team. The roles of the various team members are important and each has a very important role to contribute in the cancer care.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The introduction of social programs is a very positive effort by the health care administrations which aim to educate and help the patients during the various phases of the cancer treatments. The understanding of the physical and emotional distress and needs of the patients and rectifying it helps to improve the outcomes many times and ensures the best of treatment provision. The role of nutrition as mentioned above is again a contributing factor in the rehabilitation of the patient and can help in speedier recovery. In short, radiotherapy is a major decision for a cancer patient which needs to be taken into account during all stages of the therapy with proper support and guidance for better outcomes. REFERENCES The American Society of Radiologic Technologists. The Interdisciplinary Team in Radiological Technology .  Ã‚   http://www.asrt.org/content/RecruitmentRetention/RetentionTools/Interdisciplinary_Team.aspx Lloyd Asp, Morris Bank, Theodore Fields, William Hendee, Douglas Jones, Cohn Orton, Vincent Sampiere, George Starckschall, K. David Steidley and Bruce Thomadsen, 1993. The Role of a Physicist in Radiation Oncology. American Association of Physics in Medicine by the American Institute of Physics. Cancer Backup, 2005. Staff in Radiotherapy Department. Site last accessed on November 7th, 2007 from http://www.cancerbackup.org.uk/Treatments/Radiotherapy/Beingtreated/Staff Cancer Source, 2007. Internal Radiation Therapy: What to Expect. Site last accessed on November 8, 2007 from http://www.cancersource.com/CancerBasics/CancerTreatment/RadiationTherapy/45,25508-7 Rachel H Chow, Kenneth M. Forster, Richard B Wilder, Micheal S Wong, 2001.   Recent Advances in Radiotherapy for Head and Neck Cancers. ENT Journal.   Site last accessed on November 7, 2007 from http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1G1-80193510.html Florida Health Care News, 2006. The Role of Radiation in Cancer Treatment. Site last accessed on November 7th, 2007 from www.floridacancerinstitute.us Gavin KT, Brady M ,Hollywood D , Meagher E,   O’Cathail S, Browne C, 2002. Radiotherapy Services: Evaluation of Patient Preferences and Priorities. Site last accessed on November 8th, 2007 from http://www.isqua.org/isquaPages/Conferences/paris/ParisAbstractsSlides/Wednesday/A23b/pdf/383%20-%20Gavin.pdf Nordsmark, M., Hoyer, M., Keller, J., Nielsen, O.S., Jensen, O.M., and Overgaard, J. 1996. The relationship between tumor oxygenation and cell proliferation in human soft tissue sarcomas. Elsevier.   1;35(4):701-8. Internet Health Library 2007. Health in Hospitals Radiotherapy. Site last accessed on November 8th, 2007 from http://www.internethealthlibrary.com/HealthinHospitals/RadioTherapy-Nutrition.htm E A Isenring, S Capra and J D Bauer, 2004. Nutrition Intervention is Beneficial in Oncology Outpatients Receiving Radiotherapy to the Gastrointestinal or Head and Neck Area. British Journal of Cancer, 91, 447-452 Suz Kaprich, 2003. Radiology Nursing- Team Building. Nursing News Quaterly. Site last accessed on November 7, 2007 from http://www.uihealthcare.com/depts/nursing/news/nnq/may03_pg4.pdf Karl A Lorenz,Steven M Asch, Kenneth E. Rosenfeld, Hui Liu, and Susan L Ettner, 2004.   Hospice Admission Practices: Where Does Hospice Fit in the Continuum of Care? Journal of American Geriatrics Society, VOl. 52, No. 5, pp. 725-730 Lutz, J. Ashworth, C. Spence and S. Connor, 2005. The Use of Radiotherapy in Hospice Patients: A Population Based Study From the National Hospice Outcomes Project. Journal of Clinical Oncology, 2005, vol. 23 number 169, Part I of II. Martin H N Tattersall and Hilary Thomas, 1999. Recent Advances, Oncology. Clinical Review, BMJ 1999: 318: 445-448 National Cancer Institute, 2007. Follow up Care After Cancer Treatment: Questions and Answers. Site last accessed on November 7th, 2007 from http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/factsheet/Therapy/followup Bill O Neill and Marie Fallon, 1997. ABC of Palliative Care: Principals of Palliative Care and Pain Control. BMJ, 315: 801-804 About the RCR. The Royal College of Radiologists. Site last accessed on December 7, 2007   Ã‚  Ã‚   from http://www.rcr.ac.uk/index.asp?PageID=9 Basic Principles of Nursing Care in the Institute of Oncology and Radiology of Serbia. Institute of Oncology and Radiology of Serbia: National Cancer Research Center. Site last accessed on December 7, 2007 from http://www.ncrc.ac.yu/onkoeng/principi.html Complementary and alternative cancer treatment: Get the facts 2005. Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. Site last accessed on December 7, 2007 from http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/cancer-treatment/CM00002 Genetic radiotherapy, PET scans for animals, novel spinal surgery. Scienceblog. Site last accessed on December 7, 2007 from http://www.scienceblog.com/community/older/2002/B/2002681.html Medical Dosimetrists. University of Washington Medical Center. Site last accessed on December 7, 2007 from http://www.uwmedicine.org/PatientCare/MedicalSpecialties/SpecialtyCare/UWMEDICALCENTER/Cancer/SpecialtyServices/dosimetrists.htm Nutrition During and After Cancer Treatment: A Guide for Informed Choices by Cancer Survivors. Cancer Journal for Clinicians 2001: 51:182-187 Radiotherapy Provision in England. A Report from the National Radiotherapy Advisory Group-Workforce Subgroup, 2006. site last accessed on November 7th, 2007 from http://www.cancer.nhs.uk/documents/nrag_files/Workforce%20sub%20group%20report%20-%20fin.pdf Radiography and Radiographers. Professional Info from Radiographers.org. Site last accessed on December 7, 2007 from http://www.radiographers.org/professionalinfo/radiography_radiographers.htm Radiation Therapists. US Department of Labor: Bureau of Labor Statistics. Site last accessed on December 7, 2007 from http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos299.htm Surgery. American Cancer Society 2007. Site last accessed on December 7, 2007 from http://www.cancer.org/docroot/ETO/content/ETO_1_2X_Surgery.asp The Role of Radiation Oncology in Cancer Treatment. MD Anderson Cancer Center. Site last accessed on November 7, 2007 from http://www.mdanderson.org/departments/andersonnet/display.cfm?id=BF82D669-17DA-11D5-811000508B603A14method=displayfull W Sollner,   A DeVries, E Steixner, P Lukas, G Sprinzl, G Rumpold and S Maislinger, 2001.   How Succesful are Oncologists in Identifying Patient Distress, Perceived Social Suport and Need for Psychosocial Counselling. British Journal of Cancer, 2001: 84, 179-185 WebMD,   2007.   Breast Cancer: Radiation Therapy: What to Expect. Site last accessed on November 7th, 2007 from http://www.webmd.com/breast-cancer/breast-cancer-radiation-therapy-what-expect

Decersion Escolar En Mexico

Decersion Escolar En Mexico Los problemasescolares son algunas dificultades que sufren los estudiantes y esto conlleva la desercià ³n, en un estudio realizado llegà ³ a la conclusià ³n que la desercià ³n escolar es consecuencia de la implementacià ³n de una polà ­tica educativa que no està ¡ acorde a las necesidades del los alumnos. Los problemas mà ¡s frecuentes que se presentan en las aulas son, problemas de conducta, fracaso escolar, la falta de motivacià ³nen la familia, entre otros factores mà ¡s, (Monografà ­as, 2007). La desercià ³n es un fenà ³meno que se da cuando una persona en edad escolar abandona sus estudios de manera definitiva para dedicarse a otra actividad. Éste fenà ³meno se presenta en todos los niveles educativos, sus causas son multifactoriales, esto lo hace que sea mà ¡s difà ­cil de suprimir. Podemos clasificar sus causas en dos vertientes: Causas externas a la escuela y causas internas a la escuela. Las causas externas a la escuela tienen que ver con acciones que se dan fuera del entorno escolar. La pobreza, sin duda alguna es una de las principales, y mà ¡s difà ­ciles de aniquilar, à ©sta sirve de base para detonar otras causas. Estudiar conlleva un gasto, de eso no queda duda, cada inicio de curso los padres tienen que realizar un gran esfuerzo para poder suplir la lista de à ºtiles que la escuela exige, debemos ser consientes que para muchas familias de Mà ©xico sustituir esta lista serà ­a gastar el salario de una semana o mà ¡s, es por ello que la familia muchas veces prefiere que no asistan a clases para que de esta manera aporten con su trabajo algo de dinero para el sustento del hogar. La migracià ³n es otra de las causas externas mà ¡s comunes y en la mayorà ­a de los casos està ¡ muy ligada a la pobreza, los padres van de un lugar a otro en busca de trabajo, llevan a sus hijos consigo y es difà ­cil volverlos a incorporar a otra escuela nuevamente, lo cual propicia de manera inevitable la desercià ³n escolar. En todos los aspectos de nuestra vida, la familia es un elemento muy influyente, en la educacià ³n juega un papel de suma importancia, si los padres motivan a sus hijos, les dan su apoyo, es muy probable que estos nià ±os salgan adelante, desafortunadamente no todos los padres comprenden la importancia de legar a sus hijos educacià ³n, su falta de motivacià ³n e indiferencia pueden orillar a la desercià ³n, esto generalmente viene asociado con su escasa preparacià ³n acadà ©mica. Una de las cosas mà ¡s valiosas que todo individuo tiene es su salud, existen situaciones en las que el alumno enferma, lo cual le impide asistir a clases y por lo tanto deserta. Es una ironà ­a decir que la misma escuela provoca la desercià ³n pero en muchos de los casos asà ­ es y es aquà ­ donde entran las causas internas a la escuela. Muchas veces los mismos maestros pueden provocar la desercià ³n escolar, al utilizar una disciplina rà ­gida y cerrada, al calificar a los alumnos de cierta   manera, al no preparar sus clases de manera adecuada, provocando aburrimiento. Se debe poner especial cuidado en el mà ©todo disciplinario que se utiliza, no debe ser muy rà ­gido pero tampoco tan suave como para propiciar la falta de respeto entre compaà ±eros y maestros. La reprobacià ³n es probablemente la causa interna mà ¡s influyente, ya que el alumno se siente avergonzado y no quiere asistir por temor a la burla de los compaà ±eros, la reprobacià ³n puede ser un resultado de problemas familiares, econà ³micos y sociales, lleva estrecha relacià ³n con las causas externas. Como podemos ver la desercià ³n escolar es un problema muy complejo y de gran trascendencia, ya que de alguna u otra manera frena el desarrollo de la sociedad. Es necesario realizar un trabajo conjugado, tanto maestros, padres, alumnos y sociedad para poder erradicar el problema. Como maestros debemos realizar nuestra labor con amor, dedicacià ³n, y paciencia, debemos encontrar formas de llevar la clase de una manera dinà ¡mica, interesarnos realmente por lo alumnos, motivarlos, resaltar sus virtudes y fortalecer sus debilidades. La influencia que ejerzamos sobre nuestros alumnos puede ser determinante para su futuro.  Un profesor trabaja para la eternidad: nadie puede decir dà ³nde acaba su influencia La desercià ³n escolar es un problema educativo que afecta al desarrollo de la sociedad, y se da principalmente por falta de recursos econà ³micos y por una desintegracià ³n familiar (Jà ¡uregui,). Es un problema educativo, que afecta el desarrollo del individuà ³ que està ¡ dejando de asistir a la escuela y tambià ©n de la sociedad en la que aquà ©l, està ¡ conviviendo. (Dr. Salvador Cà ¡rdenas). Es el desinterà ©s por el estudio en los escolares a causa de problemas socioculturales, emocionales, etc. que vive el educando. Es el rechazo a adquirir conocimientos de gran nivel, la cual es consecuencia de una baja autoestima a no querer sobresalir. Es el abandono parcial o total de la educacià ³n escolarizada. Son varias las razones para que se dà © la desercià ³n. Entre las que mà ¡s comunes està ¡n el factor econà ³mico, un medio comunitario que no alienta la educacià ³n escolarizada, el bajo rendimiento, etc. (Deficià ³n.org) Se puede decir que la autoestima es la visià ³n que tiene una persona de sà ­ mismo, esta oracià ³n resume quizà ¡s un concepto amplio y tratado por muchos autores y tratadistas de la materia. Lo que sà ­ es cierto que si una persona no tiene claro hacia donde quiere ir serà ¡ muy difà ­cil que vea, que a travà ©s de la educacià ³n formal pueda alcanzar mejores condiciones de vida. En la educacià ³n creo que nos falta mà ¡s responsabilidad a nosotros como alumnos y a los padres hacer à ©nfasis y fomentarnos la enseà ±anza desde chicos, Pero hay casos en los que la falta de recursos econà ³micos juega un papel importante y orilla a los jà ³venes a desertar, la problemà ¡tica de la desercià ³n escolar tambià ©n se debe a muchas de las adicciones que hoy en dà ­a se ve que es la drogadiccià ³n y no solo eso afecta a todos los estudiantes, sino que tambià ©n tiene que ver mucho los medios que ellos ven como son los videojuegos que hoy en dà ­a hay son muy violentos y eso atrofian la mente de los jà ³venes y la mayorà ­a deserta por la falta de dinero à ³sea la economà ­a.

The Green River Killer

The Green River Killer I killed the 48 women listed in the states second amended information. In most cases when I killed these women I did not know their names. Most of the time I killed them the first time I met them and I do not have a good memory of their faces. (Seattle From statement of Green River killer Gary Ridgway, read in court in November 2003 by prosecutor Jeff Baird) Gary Leon Ridgway, known as the Green River Killer, dumping the first five bodies of his victims along the Green River in King County, Washington, pleaded guilty on the 5th November 2003, to the murders of 48 women from 1982 to 1998. He is considered one of the most profilic psycho-serial killer in U.S. history, having one of the longest cases ever to be solved, including other isolated murders. In 1982, many young people had gone missing and this tolled up, over the years. A number of femail victims found dead in isolated parts of King County, Washington. In most cases, skeletal remains were found as the bodies took long to be discovered. Moreoever, most bodies were found nude and with no possessions thus making identification difficult. The Green River Task Force was set up in consequence to investigate the killings and track the suspect. At first, due to the large amount of data recieved at the police station in a short period of time, the investigation was delayed and there was not enough resources for the data to be processed and thus some data was lost. A common trait was identified from all the victims most of the murdered girls had a history of prostitution. Investigators turned their attention to interviewing prostitutes, working in the main strip in Seattle. Unfortunately, many of them were not ready to negotiate with the police. Ted Bundy, another famous serial killer inprisoned at the time, was interviewed and asked to help give an insight into the mind of a serial killer. The results were infutile, and the killer could not be identified from the long list of suspects. The task force lost a lot of valuable time with wrong suspects. Furthermore, in those times, they had to rely on old-fashion police work to bridge clues together instead of the DNA analysis used today. In 1983, Gary Leon Ridgway, a former truck painter, was added to the suspect list for the Green River Killings after his truck was reported to be similar to the one seen on the night victim Marie Malvar , disappeared. Ridgeway denied having any contact with the victim and due to lack of further evidence the charges against him were stalled. Ridgway was also affliated to prostitution. He was accused of strangling a prostitute , Rebecca Garde Guay but claimed that he only did so to stop her from biting him during oral sex. He was also caught solicitating with a police woman posing as a prositute. Although he pleaded guilty to the solicitation, all charges were dropped in both cases, espescially after having a negative polygraph (lie detector) tests indicating that he never killed any women. Suspisions of Ridgway being linked to the Green River Killings still ensued and in 1987, the Task Force issued a search warrant in his home. Many items were taken to the Washington State Patrol Crime Laboratory, for evidence comparing, such as carpet fibers, ropes, paint samples and plastic tarps. A court order also required Ridgway to supply a saliva sample for future DNA testing. None of the evidence appeared to link Ridgway with any of the cases. In 2001, the Police Major Crimes Division Detective, Tom Jensen hoped to use technical advances in DNA analysis to solve the murder case, advances which improved over the years and were before inaccurate. The biological evidence from severel Green River Killings victims were reviewed at the state lab until a match was found a profile was developed and this was positive to Gary Leon Ridgway. DNA is the most accurate way to identify and differentiate one person from another.It is like an organic barcode, giving a unique identity for every individual. The polymerase chain reaction (PCR) combined with short tandem repeats test (STR), was used to help identify a match between the suspect and offender, after a complimentary probe was used to find the match . A small amount of DNA, from any bodily fluid sample for example can be amplified many times to make it easier to be investigated using PCR. The smaple should be uncontaminated, but it does not need to be recently collected PCR tests can be performed decades later. The amplification of DNA allowed scienticts to sequence and copy very short DNA fragments taken from the crime scene. A sample from the suspect and another from the crime scene were taken and matched. Locards Exchange Principle implies that Every contact leaves a trace and each time there is contact there is a minute exchange of particles that would serve as a silent witness againt the offender. In this case , samples which includes evidence of material used to strangle victims. WSPCL Forensic Scientists analyzed the vaginal swabs from three victims and pubic hair on another and discovered that a partial male DNA profile on the swab matched with Ridgways DNA profile, which was developed from a piece of gauze Mr.Ridgway had chewed on in 1987 and comfirmed a match. There was also a match with the sperm fraction found in the vaginal swab. In 2001, the King County Prosecuting Attorney charged the defendant Gary Leon Ridgway with four counts of aggravated murders of Marcia Chapman, Opal Mills, Cynthia Hinds, and Carol Ann Christensen. Over the next year, three more victims- Wendy Coffield , Debra Bonner, and Debra Estes- were confirmed being Gary Ridgways victims, after a forensic scientist identified microscopic spray paint spheres on their clothing. The paint was identical to the highly specialized DuPont Imron paint used at the Kenworth truck plant where Ridgway worked. Ridgway claimed that no investigator had caught him but rather he was the victim of new technology: à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦what got me caught was technology got me caught. (Mateng, 2003) The guilty claimed that he had murdered his victims at his home or in his truck and then dumped the cadaveres in nearby parking lots, in the woods or in rivers. His trait was to choke his victims and denied using any other firearms except the use of ligatures such as towels, belts, ropes etc. to strangulate his victims. Ridgway used a picture of his son to attract lonely vulnerable girls such as runaways and hitchikers involved in drugs and prostitution in Seattle, Washington. This made it difficult for victims to be found as they were not in contact with relatives and did not have a stable location. Prostitutes all fall under victimization theories. The lifestyle theory suggests that individuals are targeted based on their lifestyle choices prostitutes put themselves in danger by engaging in high-risk activities, who desperatly would do anything in exchange for money. The deviant place theory reinforces this by stating that one is more likely to become a victim in crime when exposed to dangerous places (Seigel, 2006). Lastly, the routine activity theory explains that the typical routines of individuals are linked with the rate of victimization. These situations are: 1. The availability of suitable targets, 2. The absence of capable guardians, 3. The presence of motivated offenders. The risk of victimisation increases when one or all of these criteria are met. On investigation, Ridgway claimed that he never cared for his victims.I picked prostitutes as my victims because I hate most prostitutes and did not want to pay them for sex. I also picked prostitutes as victims because they were easy to pick up without being noticed. I knew they would not be reported missing. I picked prostitutes because I thought I could kill as many of them as I wanted without getting caught. (State of Washington v. Gary Leon Ridgway, 2003, p. 7) Ridgway liked to dominate and wanted to be in control. His hatred towards these women stemmed from the poor upraising by his mother as a child. It is believed that through the killings, he was reinforcing his bruised manhood. Looking at his background, from a very young age, Ridgway had conflicting feelings and sexual desires towards his overbearing controlling mother. This had a psychological impact on his life and way of living, always striving for satisfaction. Ridgway was mentally and verbally sexually abused by his provocative mother, who humiliated her sons. This eventually led to Ridgway having fantasies about having violent sex with his mother to scar her for life and to relieve his frustrations of never being able to please her. Gary Ridgways criminal act can be listed under the social learning theory which holds that behaviour can be learned at the cognitive level through observing the actions of other people. The family has a large impact on what we learn and how people learn from one another, including such concepts as observational learning and imitation. His behaviour was further reinforced by his fathers hatred towards prostitutes and his love for necrophilia. Ridgway grew up thinking there is nothing wrong with this act and he loved the idea of having sex with someone who is dead because you wouldnt get caught. No feelings. She wouldnt feel it (Reichert, 2004, p. 274). Ridgway had confessed in court to driving back with his son to retrieve one of his victims body and having close contact whilst his son was close by. After minor criminal offences as a young boy, Ridgway attempted to stab a six year old boy in the woods, for the purpose of knowing how killing felt. Yet police did not charge him and made him believe that he can get away with his killings. Ridgway displays a psychopathic personality trait with an id-dominated personality. He is defined as an aggressive person with a dangerously maladjusted personality who craves excitement, feels little guilt, and is unable to form meaningful emotional attachments to others (McCord McCord, 1964). He also had an abnormally low IQ which resulted in difficulty at school. Hirschis social bond theory claims that when there is no good attachment in personal and social life, unusual behaviour ensues due to broken bonds which may increase the tendency of criminal acts. According to Time Magazine writer Terry McCarthy, Ridgway had an insatiable sexual appetite. His two ex-wives and old girlfriends reported that he was a sex maniac and Ridgway himself admitted to having a love-hate relationship with prostitutes. He also shifted blame to his second wife claiming that there might have been a lot less people dying if he had a nice woman to go home to. On December 18, 2003, as part of the plea agreement, Ridgway got 48 life sentences at Washington State Penitentiary in Walla Walla but spared death penalty in exchange to full help with other murder investigations and insight into his techniques, evidence and locations . In my opinion , the Task Force should have investigated and evaluated a detailed background of Gary Leon Ridgways history and lifestyle as soon as he became one of the suspects. Although he was under surveillence, he should have been detained into custody whilst being investigated due to his uncontrollable personality and violent traits. If a more thourough background check had been made to prove his uncontrollable aggressive personality, Ridgway could have been institutionalised untill charged. Nevertheless , the case was handled well, exhausting all the facilities and man power availabe during those times. It is proven that social experiences such as poor family environment predisposes one to violence and abnormal behaviour. I believe that no one is born a criminal it is the experiences in life which guides decision we take. Unfortunalty sociopath such as Gary Leon Ridgway, do not have the capacity to make the right decisions but are overwhelmed by their thist of power and control. Ultimately, one is still to blame for his/her actions and it seemed unjust that the killer did not have a graver penalty despite all those victims he killed.

Comparing Albert Camus The Stranger (The Outsider) and Jean-Paul Sartr

Lack of Order in Albert Camus' The Stranger (The Outsider) and Jean-Paul Sartre's Nausea  Ã‚   Nausea, by Jean-Paul Sartre, and The Stranger, by Albert Camus, refuse to impose order on their events by not using psychology, hierarchies, coherent narratives, or cause and effect. Nausea refuses to order its events by not inscribing them with psychology or a cause for existence, and it contrasts itself with a text by Balzac that explains its events. Nausea resists the traditional strategy of including the past to predict a character's future. It instead focuses on the succession of presents, which troubles social constructions such as "stories" and "adventure." The Stranger resists traditional categories of order by not dividing Meursault's body and soul, or body and mind. It denies the order of cause and effect by providing no motive for the murder of the Arab, and resists a reductive reading of itself as a case history of a "monster." The novel contrasts its refusal to interpret with the coherent narrative that the prosecutors create. The Stranger and Nausea explore similar stra tegies as they interrogate ways to view the world without a system of interpretative illusions. Nausea refuses to assign order to its events by choosing not to justify them with psychology or cause. Roquentin finds himself unable to pick up a piece of paper, for no apparent physical reason. However, he refuses to psychoanalyze the event. He writes that he will not traffic in "secrets or soul states," or to "play with the inner life" (9). When he cannot pick up the paper, he decides that no explanation is necessary: he simply decides "I was unable" (10). By not assigning psychology, Roquentin allows the event to have a gratuitous existence. Similarly, ... ...contrasts itself with an inner text that uses interpretation to assign order to the events of the world. Nausea contrasts its denial of cause and psychology with the section from Eugenie Grandet, and The Stranger contrasts its refusal to assign a cause to the murder with the prosecutor's coherent narrative. They both incorporate gratuitous events, and refuse to supply an interpretation for them. Roquentin refuses to explain why he is unable to pick up the piece of paper in Nausea, and Meursault finds no means, or necessity, to interpret his murder of the Arab in The Stranger. Both novels explore ways to view the world without reducing it into a comforting but illusory system of order. Works Cited Camus, Albert. The Stranger, trans. Mathew Ward. New York: Random House, Inc., 1988. Sartre, Jean-Paul. Nausea. Trans. Lloyd Alexander. NY: New Directions, 1964.

Reading Poetry by the Morning Moon :: Personal Narrative Essays

Reading Poetry by the Morning Moon Wind sweeps a stray cloud across the sky, exposing half of a gray-mottled moon. It’s nine-thirty in the morning, and the moon looks like an island in a pellucid sea. Sitting in the mossy crook of a hickory tree, my legs dangle above the creek. A walnut leaf drifts past, on its way through the valley, destined for the river and finally the bay. For a moment, I think of taking off my sneakers and socks, rolling up my jeans, and dipping my toes into the soft silt lining the creek bed. The meandering stream is only shin-deep and with four strides I could sit on the other shore. In the October chill, however, I reconsider; instead, the smells - mud, fish, decaying leaves - intoxicate me. â€Å"My tongue, every atom of my blood, form’d from this soil, this air.† I know it’s a romantic idea, reading â€Å"Song of Myself† on a stream bank. In fact, if Walt Whitman’s spirit were to brush by me in the gusting wind, I’d probably hear him say: Close the book and watch. Listen. A shriek pierces through the orange and gold treetops like a blast of steam escaping a teakettle. Looking up, I see the silver belly of a red-tailed hawk as it glides in circles below the moon. â€Å"I fly those flights of a fluid and swallowing soul,† writes Whitman. He, too, must have witnessed the swooping undulations of a ruddy-winged bird. His heart, like mine, unburdened. From my rough but solid seat in the hickory tree, I hear, at first, the sounds of Annville’s busy thoroughfare - the drone of engines, squealing brakes, the chime of a church bell. Soon, however, other noises trickle into my consciousness. Water over fallen branches. Staccato crackles of a squirrel in the brush. My own breathing. The world has been reduced to a microcosm in which I am the center. In this cosmos there are no thoughts of the future, only a mingling of the present and past. Maybe it’s my solitude, or perhaps it’s the wind caressing my face with the smell of wet leaves, but I feel suddenly close to my home, a farm that is sixty miles west and a mountain away from this hickory tree on the Quittie. Closing my eyes, I see the familiar wisp of smoke curling from our brick chimney, the crooked lightning rod on the barn roof, and the mountains that surround the valley, Hidden Valley, like the walls of Jericho.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Social Media Essay

Social media is a way of connecting people or a medium for sharing ones ideas. It’s technologies takes different forms like internet, blogs, forums, social networks etc. The qualities social media possess are reach, accessibility, immediacy, permanence. Today’s younger generation depend on social media completely as they prefer to be connected with the world through social networks like facebook, twitter etc. If we look up the statistics 93% of youth are active users of internet and 73% own a cellphone. They find it as a place where they can share their ideas globally and the increasing fascination for the gadgets like ipod, tab are due to the impact of social media. It facilitates to have open communication leading to enhanced discovery and delivery. Read more:  Speech about social media advantages and disadvantages essay For students social media gives a lot of exposure and help them to have updated knowledge about various technologies. It serves to kindle their ideas in their interested subjects. One can even start a blog and discuss his views with everyone. It helps a lot for education where students can refer data from ebooks, articles, presentations etc. And also they can browse about various job opportunities around the world through websites like naukri, linkedin. They can upload their resume and can view the company’s profile their technologies and can update their knowledge based on the current trends. Advantages and disadvantages of social media Essay The advantages of the use of social media are compelling and relevant content will grab the attention of potential customers and increase brand visibility. You can respond almost instantly to industry developments and become heard in your field. It can be much cheaper than traditional advertising and promotional activities. Social content can indirectly boost links to websites content by appearing in universal search results, improving search traffic and online sales. You can deliver improved customer service and respond effectively to feedback customers you have connected with you. You also have worldwide connectivity which helps one find romance, seeking a new job, or locating assistance. Real-time information sharing which mean you can exchange information in real-time via a chat. Read more: Essay on Media Advantages and Disadvantages This is a good feature because teachers can use this to use to facilitate classroom discussions. Free advertising is another advantage of social media because whether you are non-profit organization who needs to get the word out about your upcoming fundraiser or a business owner marketing a new product or service, there is no better way to get your message out other than social media. Disadvantages of social media are committing to resources to manage your social media presence, responding to feedback and producing new content. It can be difficult to quantify the return on investment and the value of one channel over another ineffective use. There is also time waster that is a disadvantage of social media. Social network can be a big waste of time that can sucks up 17 percent of our internet time down the drain. While it is true that some of the time is spent in making and maintaining important business, social media or professional connections, it can be easy to become distracted and end up spending valuable time on games, chats and other non-related activities. How might knowing these advantages and disadvantages alter how a person might use social media? A person knowing these advantages and disadvantages will cause them to use certain social media sites either more or less. It also lets an individual decide which sites they may want to use, as well as what they will put on these sites. Also knowing the different will alter their perspective on what social sites their families may use. As for me, the advantages are good. I would love to keep in contact with people I have not seen in a long time. I would love to express myself in a blog on a subject that has been bothering me without  worrying about what people are saying. I enjoy being able to chat with an old high school friend I haven’t seen since I graduated. I would love to follow my favorite artist and know if he will be somewhere close to me so I can attend their concert. Advantages and Disadvantages of Social Media Essay Advantages and Disadvantages of Social Media Introduction   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   In the contemporary world, most people rely on social media for entertainment, news, advertisements and so on. Now days a one can use the social media and get any form of data that he or she requires. The use of social media has transformed the society into a global village where people can interact freely within a span of a second. However, most people focus on the benefits of social media without considering it’s drawbacks. Social media has several advantages such as easy access of data, free interaction, and so on. On the other hand, it has various disadvantages such as, lack of privacy, fraud, theft and so on. This primary focus of this paper is the advantages and disadvantages of social media as given.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The use of social media has many disadvantages of easily obtainable data, such as searching things, services and the ability to download things. The internet provides many businesses means to aid service customers today. In the modern world, instead of mailing bills, a person just needs to sign into the web and deliver the payment with just a single click, or even carry out some shopping without leaving home (Clarke, 2010). This result in looking for things, thousands of institutions and groups moving to online, most of the groups becoming aggressive in promoting their existence through the use of search engines, banner advertisements and email lists. Also, an individual is capable of downloading games, movies, and watch favorite television shows for free.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Though the advantages of social media seem great, there are disadvantages associated with easily obtainable data through the internet. Some of them are viruses, personal information, theft and accuracy (Dewing, 2010). When a person is searching for things on the internet or online, he or she may be asked his or her personal information like social security number, name and address or credit card number. When one enters such information, it offers a chance for hackers to acquire information about the person and utilize it for their own benefits. Moreover, going on web pages looking for things exposes a computer for viruses. Manywebsites, send viruses and aware as well as malicious programs that can slow the processor of the computer and some cases harm it. Likewise, accuracy is required because not everything in the social media is reliable and accurate. Any individual can post anything on the internet making it hard for some people to ackn owledge reliable sources.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The issue of credibility is another thing that most people worry about because of the success of the social media. Any person is capable of getting or posting anything that he or she want in the social media. Moreover, there is no open standard for posting data online and digital data may be easily modified, misrepresented, false and plagiarized. Unless an individual acknowledges the credibility of the sources, he or she may get illegitimate information. Nevertheless, the social media enhance the link between people’s all over the world (Clarke, 2010). Itenables a person to have a chance to meet and interact with people in other areas and share similar goals, beliefs or interest. It is similar as keeping one in touch with the people around. As a matter of fact, military people use social media to acknowledge what is happening around them instead of waiting for contacts. Social media is also free and any person can join about any web page without paying anything out of pocket. Such process is advantageous for small business that want to establish their identity in the market.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Social media is somewhat impersonal. A person can have social drama and at the same time danger (Coiera, 2008). Besides, everything about social media is online, thus an individual does not have a chance to get to talk to another person either face to face or through the phone. This makes it tranquil for some people to fake things or make other people think they are something that they are not, which ties to the aspect of danger. Most people have pretended to be others in social media so as to acquire trust from other people and then turn against them.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   In conclusion, it is good for people to acknowledge both the advantages and disadvantages of social media because they can aid take the essential steps to enjoy the social media and be on the safe side of the negative impacts of the social media. If people acknowledge what is happening within the social media, they get a clear view of what to anticipate and whether or not it is something that would want or would do without it. Social media has become part of the peoples lives. People’s cannot escape from the disadvantages of the social media as long they continue using it without a clear view about it. It is all about the direction an individual select and on how to go about it. Nevertheless, social media plays a significant role in the society as well as all over the world, and with the increasing growth of technology, it is likely that social media grow with it. Thus, it is good to consider the advantages and disadvantages of soci al media since its activities will probably increase in future. References Clarke, A. (2010). Social media. Ottawa: Library of Parliament. Coiera, E. (2008). Social networks, social media, and social diseases.BMJ, F3007-F3007. Dewing, M. (2010).Social media. Ottawa: Library of Parliament. Source document

Accounting Research Project: Walt Disney

| 2012| | Acc: Research Project | [The Walt Disney Company]| Ticker Symbol: NYSE:DIS A brief summary of the company’s products, history, and financial operations over the last year. | General Overview The Walt Disney Company (NYSE:DIS) is one that I have been familiar with my entire life. However, I have never known much about the business side of the company.It was founded in 1923 by Roy and Walt Disney, who came to Hollywood from Kansas City, Missouri. Walt and Roy produced a short animated film series that became known as the Alice Comedies. The small studio in which they worked was outgrown and replaced by a larger facility, where they became Disney Bros. Studio (Disney Archives). In 1928, Mickey Mouse was born, followed by Pluto, Goofy, and the rest of the Disney gang, and the Disney Brothers Studio became the Walt Disney Studio. Disney’s first full-length animated film came out in 1937.Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs became the highest grossing film by 1939 and th e first animated feature film ever produced (studioservices. go. com). During World War II, production was slow, and Disney was contracted into creating propaganda films to endorse the war and boost morale on the home front. However, in 1950, Cinderella revived the company and the Walt Disney Productions theme park plan was set in motion, opening Disneyland in 1955. Walt Disney died in 1966 of lung cancer (age 66), and his brother Roy took over as chairman, CEO and president.The Walt Disney World Resort opened in Orlando, Florida in 1971, and Disney began to make its way into live-action films. Since then, the Walt Disney Company has made its name in the family and entertainment business, becoming one of the largest and most influential companies worldwide, owning markets in China, Japan, North America, Europe, Africa, the Middle East, Australia, and Russia. The company headquarters is located in Burbank, California, headed by Chairman and CEO Bob Iger, who ook over the company in 2 005 and acquired other such productions as Pixar (2006), Marvel Entertainment (2009), and Lucasfilm (2012) (thewaltdisneycompany. com). As well as owning several media networks, hotels and resorts, Disney Consumer Products, according to the company’s website, is the business segment of The Walt Disney Company and its affiliates that extends the Disney brand to merchandise ranging from apparel, toys, home decor and books and magazines to foods and beverages, stationary, electronics and fine art.This is accomplished through a franchise-based licensing organization focused on strategic brand priorities, including:  Disney Classic Characters & Disney Baby; Disney Live Action Film; Disney Media Networks & Games, Disney & Pixar Animation Studios; Disney Princess & Disney Fairies;  and  Marvel. Other businesses involved in Disney's consumer products sales are Disney Publishing Worldwide, the world's largest publisher of children's books and magazines, and  www. DisneyStore. om  and  www. DisneyStore. co. uk, the company's official shopping portals. The Disney Store retail chain, which debuted in 1987, is owned and operated by Disney in North America, Europe, and Japan (thewaltdisneycompany. com). In recent news, Netflix announced on December 4, 2012 that it has signed a multi-year deal with The Walt Disney Company. According to the article by Ramon Aranda, this will give Netflix the exclusive rights to run feature films available for users to watch instantly.Ted Sarandos, Chief Content Officer at Netflix said, â€Å"Disney and Netflix have shared a long and mutually beneficial relationship and this deal will bring to our subscribers, in the first pay TV window, some of the highest-quality, most imaginative family films being made today†¦ It’s a bold leap forward for Internet television and we are incredibly pleased and proud this iconic family brand is teaming with Netflix to make it happen. † The article also states that the fin ancial terms of this agreement have not been disclosed.Another recent event for the company was the purchase of the Star Wars franchise Lucasfilm for four billion dollars at the end of October. 100 percent owned by founder George Lucas, an article in USA Today says Disney received the empire at a cost of $4 billion, 40 million Disney shares, and a year and half pursuit. This amount of shares makes Lucas the company’s second largest non-institutional shareholder of Disney, after the trust of Steve Jobs (Krantz, Matt, et. al). The article goes on to note that this deals marks Disney’s fourth largest deal ever, after Capital Cities/ABC (1995), Pixar (2006), and Fox Family (2001).Disney plans to expand on the Star Wars film schedule. CEO Bob Iger said, â€Å"our long term plan is to release a new Star Wars feature film every two to three years,† beginning with Episode VII hopefully releasing in 2015. George Lucas will serve as a creative consultant, but plans to ret ire, saying, â€Å"For the past 35 years, one of my greatest pleasures has been to see  Star Wars  passed from one generation to the next. It's now time for me to pass Star Wars on to a new generation of filmmakers† (Krantz, Matt, et. al).The current price per share of the company’s common stock is $48. 67. This number has fluctuated a bit over the last year, but has remained mostly close to the recent price. The lowest price over the last year has been $34. 52, with the highest price at $53. 40 (thewaltdisneycompany. com). Financial Status (2012) According the company’s most recent accounting statements (2012 fiscal year), total assets equaled $74,898; total liabilities equaled $32,940, and the total equity for the year totaled $41,958 (in millions). $74,898 = $32,940 + $41,958The company earned a net income of $5. 682 billion, an eighteen percent increase from the previous year. The earnings per share during the year 2012 increased 24 percent to $3. 13 fro m $2. 52 the prior year. Earnings per share is important because it is a measure of a company’s profitability. It is one of the most closely watched financial ratios in the business world. The revenues for The Walt Disney Company totaled $42. 278 billion, a 4 percent increase from the previous year. Two of Disney’s competitors, News Corp. and Time Warner Inc. have revenues that fall significantly lower than this corporate giant, with News Corp. revenues totaling $33. 88 billion and Time Warner Inc. at $28. 76 billion. Disney’s current assets total $13. 709 billion, with current liabilities totaling $12. 813 billion. The current ratio: 13. 709/12. 813 = 1. 07. The current ratio generally shows the ability of a company to pay back debts. However, if a company is good at managing and planning cash flows, a low number does not necessarily mean they cannot pay back its debts on time.This number has decreased compared to the previous year, which had a current ratio of 1. 13. Disney’s long-term assets include film and television costs, investments, parks, resorts, and other properties (attractions, buildings, and equipment), projects in progress, land, intangible assets, and goodwill; 82 percent of Disney’s assets are long-term. Compared to prior periods, these assets have increased (approximately $2 billion more than 2011). In addition, The Walt Disney Company calculates depreciation using the straight-line method.The long-term liabilities of The Walt Disney Company total $20. 127 billion, or 61 percent of the total liabilities, compared to 63 percent of total liabilities in 2011. Disney has over one trillion shares in circulation currently, both of preferred stock and common stock outstanding. The company saw an increase in cash and cash equivalents of $202 million, giving Disney an end of year balance of $3. 387 billion, compared to the $3. 185 billion from the previous year. According to Disney’s report, cash provided by operations increased 14 percent compared to 2011.The increase in cash provided by operations was due to â€Å"higher segment operating results and the timing of and improved receivable collections, partially offset by higher income tax payments, the payment of interest accrued in prior years on Disneyland Paris borrowings, and higher film production spending† (thewaltdisneycompany. com). Disney uses the average-cost method in order to calculate inventory, stating, â€Å"Inventory primarily includes vacation timeshare units, merchandise, materials, and supplies.Carrying amounts of vacation ownership units are recorded at the lower of cost or net realizable value. Carrying amounts of merchandise, materials, and supplies inventories are generally determined on a moving average cost basis and are recorded at the lower of cost or market. † Only a small portion of the total assets is represented by inventory. In 2012, the inventory only accounted for 2 percent of the company ’s total assets, which is consistent with the 2 percent of total assets in 2011. Work Cited A History of The Walt Disney Company. † Disney 23. Web. 12 Dec. 2012. ;http://d23. disney. go. com/archives/a-history-of-the-walt-disney-company/; Aranda, Ramon. â€Å"Netflix Announces Multi-Year Agreement with The Walt Disney Company. †Ã‚  examiner. com(2012): n. pag. Web. 13 Dec 2012. ;http://www. examiner. com/article/netflix-announces-multi-year-agreement-with-the-walt-disney-company;. Disney Studio Services. â€Å"The Walt Disney Studios History. † Web. 12 Dec. 2012. ;http://studioservices. go. om/disneystudios/history. html; Krantz, Matt, Mike Snider, Marco Della Cava, and Bryan Alexander. â€Å"Disney buys Lucasfilm for $4 billion. â€Å"USA Today. 30 2012: n. page. Web. 16 Dec. 2012. ;http://www. usatoday. com/story/money/business/2012/10/30/disney-star-wars-lucasfilm/1669739/;. The Walt Disney Company. Annual Report: The Walt Disney Company Reports Fourt h Quarter and Full Year Earnings for Fiscal 2012. Burbank: The Walt Disney Company, 2012. 15 Dec. 2012. ;http://thewaltdisneycompany. com/;