Wednesday, August 26, 2020

Mixed Ability Grouping

Blended ABILITY GROUPING Ana Redondo I/INTRODUCTION: The primary reason for this module is to present to you some broad confirmations of various explores about technique for blended capacity gathering versus different types of sorting out understudies in MFL educating and learning viewpoint. II/CONTENT 1/Political setting (in England and Wales) * 1944 the instructive framework in Britain gushed into diferent sorts of optional schools, understudy with unique instructive needs being taught in uncommon school. Since 1980s focal government separate the Local Education Authorities by presenting Local Management of School * 1991-1993, chidren with a specialized curriculum needs into standard school, tuition based school: 20-25%, conprehensive school being slant. * Throughout 1990, setting had end up being compelling in numerous auxiliary schools for arithmetic, science and language. Understudies gathering are cosidered under such weights: Student’s accomplishments (assessment result s), strategy and society, neighborhood needs and parental decision. /Mixed capacity gathering * In the title clerly shows: ‘Mixed capacity grouping’ additionally allude to a gathering wherein offspring of changed capacity are shown together instead of being separate. * - No gathering of understudies is ever homogeneous. Contrasts in zones: capacity, sexual orientation, self-idea, self-estem, ethnic foundation. a. Favorable circumstances of Mixed abilitiy gathering * Mixed capacity gathering furnishes all students with correspondence of chance and decreases the negative outcomes regularly partner with homogeneous gathering. It keeps away from the issues related with apportioning understudies to homogenous gatherings. * It advances a decent connection among students, among educators and understudies. * Reduce rivalry and the marking of students. * Low capacity understudies are bolstered more advantage. b. Burdens of blended capacity gathering * It is difficult to guarante e that higher capacity Ss are extended adequately. * The gathering the requirements of high and low capacity understudies can bring about disappointment. Instructors should be touchy to mindful the distinctions of so as to set fitting work, amplify learning results and evade clashes among educating and learning. * Mixed capacity gathering sets unreasonable expectations for instructors' educational aptitudes. * most of the class is regularly ineffectively regulated. Blended capacity gathering present specific troubles in MFL. 3/Other types of organisind pupilss †MFL instructing and learning point of view * Students have various insights, there for, some are greater at specific things than others. Homogeneous groupings are probably going to alow instructors a more noteworthy chance to meet the individual’s needs of understudies. * Homogeneous gatherings of students can accomplish all the more proficiently in MFL. * Homogeneity of showing bunches when classes share a more p rominent closeness of learning characteristics and trademark, permits the techer to complete their showing all the more adequately. * It is hard to allot understudies to the suitable gathering, no disgrace is joined. Both ‘mixed capacity grouping’ and ‘ability grouping’ have preferences and disavantages.III/CONCLUSIONS * I recommend here to consider ‘homogeneous groups’ and ‘within - class groups’ as logically possible alternatives. Situated gathering work, collarborative undertaking work, co-coperative learning, adaptable learning, task-based learning or merry go round work would all be able to be applied in different various manners to guarantee scholastic and social learning. (Ana Redondo) * The gathering of student is just one of a few variables influencing the learning condition of the homeroom. The nature of guidance and the educational program are focal. (Halam, 1996:2)

Saturday, August 22, 2020

What is the Destiny of the Aff essays

What is the Destiny of the Aff expositions What Is The Destiny of The Affirmative Action Program? Governmental policy regarding minorities in society has for quite some time been proposed to be an answer for the shameful acts that were done to minorities years prior. Starting more than thirty years prior in 1964, it permitted minorities simpler access to employments and training that were typically put something aside for just generally white Americans. The Affirmative Action program is characterized as a progression of methods, steps, projects, and strategies intended to beat the impacts of past separation on present day minority individuals (Encyclopedia Americana 241). It has now been numerous decades since the projects acceptance into society, and it has rolled out radical improvements in the manner minorities are dealt with. We are presently living in a more equivalent society than any other time in recent memory, yet we despite everything have governmental policy regarding minorities in society. A few people are sick of the program, contending that it has run its course. Ho wever others think it is as yet required is still especially a significant piece of American culture. Perhaps there is a fair compromise that can be met. So today we pose the inquiry: What ought to be finished with the governmental policy regarding minorities in society program? Change is the appropriate response. This program has consistently been an extremely questionable issue, in the region that individuals are hearing a few additional grievances of converse segregation. Certain gatherings accept that the program has filled its need and it is presently time to proceed onward. Individuals are burnt out on hearing minorities recounting to their tales about how they are not being dealt with reasonably, when the Affirmative Activity program has just given them a preferred position, in specific fields over the greater part, by settling for the easiest option on tests and occupation capabilities. I have learned throughout the years about the governmental policy regarding minorities in society program. Individuals are beginning to accept that the program is giving the minorities a bit of leeway that is out of line to the greater part. As of late there have been numerous allegations of opposite separation. One case of this was in the legal dispute, Adarand ... <!

Friday, August 21, 2020

All the Feels

All the Feels I am currently a ball of feelings. Some people might call me an emotional wreck, but I think it’s just something that comes with being in a completely new place with new people, new challenges, new thrills, and the same old me. There’s change in the air too, and with every breath I take inside the MIT bubble, I feel myself growing in so many ways. I want to share with you a sliver of some of the amazing people I’ve met and the internal thoughts that have been dashing lightspeed through my brain. Have you ever wanted to know what someone was thinking when they met you? Well, now you will. First and foremost, there’s excitement. I’ve had the honor of listening to a professor who was involved in the discovery of gravitational waves, learned about opportunities to work abroad for free (MISTI!), and gotten to coexist in the same room as the legendary Chris Peterson and the bloggers of this site. It gives me chills just to be there in the moment listening and trying to absorb some of their greatness, not reading about them online or watching them on the news. I am excited for the future, both for the things that are being discovered and created here, but also my chance to discover and create. On the other end of the spectrum, I’ve somehow managed to stress myself out from all the excitement. From trying to do everything because of a fear of missing out (FOMO â€"â€" it’s a real thing) to trying to get to find classes when buildings 26 and 36 are somehow next to each other, it’s been a good time. Comments like “You haven’t even started doing psets yet, just you wait.” and “Why are you worrying about things like if you’ve watered your succulents?” are really helpful because the stress of future stress worries me more. When really, really smart, accomplished people tell you that you’re about to be a bajillion times more stressed than you are right now because the fire hose that is MIT has barely been turned on, it tends to freak you out a bit. Whew. Ok, deep breaths. It feels good to talk about it though. Some imposter syndrome symptoms are definitely present too. It’s hard not to compare yourself to people who’ve started 10 companies already and are curing stress because curing cancer was so last year. More often than that are the people who love what they do and, as a result, are leaps and bounds in front of others in their fields. They know how to slam together passion and hard work to produce so much energy and drive that they can’t help but succeed despite anything and everything. If you are one of these people, just know that I envy you. You also inspire me and motivate me to do bigger and better things, but mostly, I just want to be you. I’m hoping that intense passion will hit me on the head one day but for now, I’m slowly learning to find my own niches too. Like nearly every other college student, though, I’m also feeling freedom rustle through my metaphorical wings of adulthood too. I can eat ice cream for breakfast, which is actually as amazing as you’d imagine (10/10 would recommend until freshman 15 hits). I entered a lottery for a Picasso painting to hang in my dorm room above our fireplace blackboard in Maseeh (see picture below). I am aiming to become a certified pirate by taking pistol, archery, sailing, and fencing. I get the month of January to do anything and everything, from glassblowing to truffle-making to CPR training to working in externships. The freedom applies to nearly everything I do, and it’s awesome, albeit slightly overwhelming, to think about all the different paths I can take from here. Above all, I’m just so glad, happy, elated, delighted to be here with people I’m already in love with and in a place I’m so proud to call home. Thanks for being my therapist and letting me talk through my feelings. MIT’s going to be a wild ride, and I can’t wait to stick you in the passenger seat next to me (seatbelt optional).

All the Feels

All the Feels I am currently a ball of feelings. Some people might call me an emotional wreck, but I think it’s just something that comes with being in a completely new place with new people, new challenges, new thrills, and the same old me. There’s change in the air too, and with every breath I take inside the MIT bubble, I feel myself growing in so many ways. I want to share with you a sliver of some of the amazing people I’ve met and the internal thoughts that have been dashing lightspeed through my brain. Have you ever wanted to know what someone was thinking when they met you? Well, now you will. First and foremost, there’s excitement. I’ve had the honor of listening to a professor who was involved in the discovery of gravitational waves, learned about opportunities to work abroad for free (MISTI!), and gotten to coexist in the same room as the legendary Chris Peterson and the bloggers of this site. It gives me chills just to be there in the moment listening and trying to absorb some of their greatness, not reading about them online or watching them on the news. I am excited for the future, both for the things that are being discovered and created here, but also my chance to discover and create. On the other end of the spectrum, I’ve somehow managed to stress myself out from all the excitement. From trying to do everything because of a fear of missing out (FOMO â€"â€" it’s a real thing) to trying to get to find classes when buildings 26 and 36 are somehow next to each other, it’s been a good time. Comments like “You haven’t even started doing psets yet, just you wait.” and “Why are you worrying about things like if you’ve watered your succulents?” are really helpful because the stress of future stress worries me more. When really, really smart, accomplished people tell you that you’re about to be a bajillion times more stressed than you are right now because the fire hose that is MIT has barely been turned on, it tends to freak you out a bit. Whew. Ok, deep breaths. It feels good to talk about it though. Some imposter syndrome symptoms are definitely present too. It’s hard not to compare yourself to people who’ve started 10 companies already and are curing stress because curing cancer was so last year. More often than that are the people who love what they do and, as a result, are leaps and bounds in front of others in their fields. They know how to slam together passion and hard work to produce so much energy and drive that they can’t help but succeed despite anything and everything. If you are one of these people, just know that I envy you. You also inspire me and motivate me to do bigger and better things, but mostly, I just want to be you. I’m hoping that intense passion will hit me on the head one day but for now, I’m slowly learning to find my own niches too. Like nearly every other college student, though, I’m also feeling freedom rustle through my metaphorical wings of adulthood too. I can eat ice cream for breakfast, which is actually as amazing as you’d imagine (10/10 would recommend until freshman 15 hits). I entered a lottery for a Picasso painting to hang in my dorm room above our fireplace blackboard in Maseeh (see picture below). I am aiming to become a certified pirate by taking pistol, archery, sailing, and fencing. I get the month of January to do anything and everything, from glassblowing to truffle-making to CPR training to working in externships. The freedom applies to nearly everything I do, and it’s awesome, albeit slightly overwhelming, to think about all the different paths I can take from here. Above all, I’m just so glad, happy, elated, delighted to be here with people I’m already in love with and in a place I’m so proud to call home. Thanks for being my therapist and letting me talk through my feelings. MIT’s going to be a wild ride, and I can’t wait to stick you in the passenger seat next to me (seatbelt optional).

Sunday, May 24, 2020

I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings - 948 Words

Maya Angelou is a poet and award-winning author known for her acclaimed memoir I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings and her many poetry and essay collections. So many things happen to Maya Angelou but she was amazing and a brave woman too not everyone would be same after what happen to her. Maya Angelou has become the most amazing singer, dancer, actress, poet and writer she is even an author of autobiography â€Å"I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings† a book that tells the things that setback and helped Maya to be who she is now. She had a lot of the events in her life that s helped and setback her life, this was part of her life now. The set setback that made a lot of impact in her life was, what helped her was when miss flower started teaching her literature. So the teacher that helped her is Miss Bertha flowers she helped Maya to talk again so she encouraged her into an interest in literature. Maya setbacks was her being raped by Mr. Freeman. This is a set back because she was very young for this to happen to her so she did not know how to handle it. She was thinking this man cared for her making her to sit on his lapped she thought it was okay now someone care for her. She lied in court being doing this because she thought they hate her she was wrong. When she was raped by Mr. Freeman at aged seven, this one was the worst because it was too traumatic for Chirah 2 A child to express. Maya was a girl who felt unwanted and lost by her own family then she met Mr. Freeman a man who caredShow MoreRelatedI Know Why The Caged Bird Sings1482 Words   |  6 Pages Maya Angelou tells of her life experiences and struggles in her book â€Å"I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings† that gives us insight about Maya’s life as a young black girl growing up in a time of racism. The novel discusses various forms of oppression that she had to face as well cope with them. Robert A. Gross wrote an analysis for Newsweek about the book and claimed that Angelou’s book is not only an interesting story of her own experience, but also a portrayal of a Southern black communityRead MoreI Know Why The Caged Bird Sings1555 Words   |  7 Pages28th of May 2014, she was an Activist, acclaimed American poet, storyteller and autobiographer. However, all her accomplishments were born out of abuse, violence, neglect and pain, that she wrote about in her autobiographical novel, I know why the caged bird sings which was published in 1969. In the book, she wrote not only about the conflicts that plagued her for much of her life but also how the role they played in her life. Particular problem areas discussed include, the difficulties she experiencedRead MoreI Know Why The Caged Bird Sings1445 Words   |  6 PagesPresentation I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings is a self-portraying record of Maya Angelou that shows how cherish for writing and having a solid character can assume a huge part in conquering bigotry and misery. Throughout the story, it is clear that Maya changes from being a setback of bigotry to end up distinctly a young lady with self-nobility and character that helps her to conquer partiality. The setting of I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings concentrates on the issues connected with bigotry thatRead MoreI Know Why The Caged Bird Sings1126 Words   |  5 PagesMaya Angelou was a gifted woman with one of the greatest voices of African American literature. Previously known as Marguerite Johnson, she was one of the most important women of our time. She was best known for her autobiography I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings. Not only was Maya Angelou able to overcome all the racial discriminations and interferences that she endured growing up, she was also able to prove to many people what a successful African American author and activist she was. She was a womanRead MoreI Know Why The Caged Bird Sings2695 Words   |  11 Pages I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings According to Willard Scott, â€Å"Positive Feelings come from being honest about yourself and accepting your personality, and physical characteristics, warts and all; and, from belonging to a family that accepts you without question.† Maya Angelou illustrates this in I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings, an autobiography on herself. It illustrates Maya Angelou’s struggles of accepting herself because of some cruel experiences in her life. Maya was an African American girlRead MoreI Know Why The Caged Bird Sings Essay1097 Words   |  5 Pagesministry. She wrought a best-selling auto biography â€Å"I know why the caged bird sings†. Trough-out her legacy she continuously created poems promoting civil rights from her personal and social views. â€Å"still I rise â€Å"is one of her earlier working but is still consider one of the greatest poems on discussing the social views at the time of tis publishing and still hold value to todays current events. This text wil l be Analysing the poem â€Å"still I rise† But first discussing the experiences that Maya AngelouRead MoreI Know Why The Caged Bird Sings2495 Words   |  10 PagesIn the memoir, I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings, Maya Angelou presents the theme: coming of age. This theme is shown throughout the book many times, especially when something big happens to her, changing the way that she reacts to things and the way that she sees things. Another way that this theme is shown throughout the book is the way that she words things in the beginning, vs the way that she words things in the end. The change in her writing style and her language shows this. Not only was sheRead MoreEssay on I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings1319 Words   |  6 Pagesstreet cars 5) Key Statements About the Character amp;nbsp;a) â€Å"Ritie, don’t worry ‘cause you ain’t pretty. Plenty of pretty women I seen digging ditches or worse. You smart. I swear to God, I rather you have a good mind than a cute behind.† (p.56) amp;nbsp;b) â€Å"In those moments I decided that although Baily loved me he couldn’t help. †¦ I knew that because I loved him so much I could never hurt him† (p. 73) 6) Key Actions amp;nbsp;a) Father comes to Stamps and takes them to their mother amp;nbsp;b) MovesRead MoreEssay on I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings1048 Words   |  5 Pagescontribute to the way she grows up and the person she becomes. Despite some of her tragic circumstances, she learns a lot growing up, mainly because of the African-American women in her life who teach her all different life lessons. In I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings, Marguerite gets to absorb teachings from her mother (Vivian), Mrs. Bertha Flowers, and her grandmother (Momma). These women allow Marguerite to learn and grow as an African-American female, all while paving her own way. MargueriteRead More I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings Essay730 Words   |  3 Pages Three primary problems â€Å"cage† Maya Angelou in her autobiographical book I Know why the Caged Bird Sings. The most pressing of these issues was probably the fact that Maya lived in the highly segregated south. Another factor of her imprisonment was because Maya, also known as Marguerite, was a social outcast, with very few friends other then relatives. Finally, the main character was entrapped because of her unusual sexual exposure. Over all, the highly segregated life she led, her exclusion socially

Thursday, May 14, 2020

Dunkirk Evacuation

From May 26 to June 4, 1940, the British sent 222 Royal Navy ships and about 800 civilian boats to evacuate the British Expeditionary Force (BEF) and other Allied troops from the seaport of Dunkirk in France during World War II. After eight months of inaction during the Phoney War, British, French, and Belgian troops were quickly overwhelmed by Nazi Germany’s blitzkrieg tactics when the attack began on May 10, 1940. Rather than be completely annihilated, the BEF decided to retreat to Dunkirk and hope for evacuation. Operation Dynamo, the evacuation of over a quarter million troops from Dunkirk, seemed a near impossible task, but the British people pulled together and ultimately rescued about 198,000 British and 140,000 French and Belgian troops. Without the evacuation at Dunkirk, World War II would have been lost in 1940. Preparing to Fight After World War II started on September 3, 1939, there was a period of approximately eight months in which basically no fighting occurred; journalists called this the â€Å"Phoney War.† Although granted eight months to train and fortify for a German invasion, the British, French, and Belgian troops were quite unprepared when the attack actually began on May 10, 1940. Part of the problem was that while the German Army had been given hope of a victorious and different outcome than that of World War I, the Allied troops were uninspired, sure that trench warfare once again awaited them. The Allied leaders also relied heavily on the newly built, high-tech, defensive fortifications of the Maginot Line, which ran along the French border with Germany – dismissing the idea of an attack from the north. So, instead of training, the Allied troops spent much of their time drinking, chasing girls, and just waiting for the attack to come. For many BEF soldiers, their stay in France felt a bit like a mini vacation, with good food and little to do. This all changed when the Germans attacked in the early hours of May 10, 1940. The French and British troops went north to meet the advancing Germany Army in Belgium, not realizing that a large portion of the German Army (seven Panzer divisions) were cutting through the Ardennes, a wooded area that the Allies had considered impenetrable. Retreating to Dunkirk With the German Army in front of them in Belgium and coming up behind them from the Ardennes, the Allied troops were quickly forced to retreat. The French troops, at this point, were in great disorder. Some had become trapped within Belgium while others scattered. Lacking strong leadership and effective communication, the retreat left the French Army in serious disarray. The BEF were also backpedalling into France, fighting skirmishes as they retreated. Digging in by day and retreating at night, the British soldiers got little to no sleep. Fleeing refugees clogged the streets, slowing the travel of military personnel and equipment. German Stuka dive bombers attacked both soldiers and refugees, while German soldiers and tanks popped up seemingly everywhere. The BEF troops often became scattered, but their morale remained relatively high. Orders and strategies among the Allies were changing quickly. The French were urging a regrouping and a counterattack. On May 20, Field Marshal John Gort (commander of the BEF) ordered a counterattack at Arras. Although initially successful, the attack was not strong enough to break through the German line and the BEF was again forced to retreat. The French continued to push for a regrouping and a counteroffensive. The British, however, were starting to realize that the French and Belgian troops were too disorganized and demoralized to create a strong enough counteroffensive to halt the highly effective German advance. Much more likely, believed Gort, was that if the British joined the French and Belgian troops, they would all be annihilated. On May 25, 1940, Gort made the difficult decision to not only abandon the idea of a joint counteroffensive, but to retreat to Dunkirk in the hopes of an evacuation. The French believed this decision to be desertion; the British hoped it would allow them to fight another day. A Little Help From the Germans and the Defenders of Calais Ironically, the evacuation at Dunkirk could not have happened without the help of the Germans. Just as the British were regrouping at Dunkirk, the Germans stopped their advance just 18 miles away. For three days (May 24 to 26), German Army Group B stayed put. Many people have suggested that Nazi Fuhrer Adolf Hitler purposely let the British Army go, believing that the British would then more readily negotiate a surrender. The more likely reason for the halt was that General Gerd von Runstedt, the commander of German Army Group B, didn’t want to take his armored divisions into the swampy area around Dunkirk. Also, the German supply lines had become greatly overextended after such a quick and lengthy advance into France; the German Army needed to stop long enough for their supplies and infantry to catch up. German Army Group A also held off attacking Dunkirk until May 26. Army Group A had become entangled in a siege at Calais, where a small pocket of BEF soldiers had holed up. British Prime Minister Winston Churchill believed the epic defense of Calais had a direct correlation to the outcome of the Dunkirk evacuation. Calais was the crux. Many other causes might have prevented the deliverance of Dunkirk, but it is certain that the three days gained by the defence of Calais enabled Gravelines waterline to be held, and that without this, even in spite of Hitler’s vacillations and Rundstedt’s orders, all would have been cut off and lost.* The three days that German Army Group B halted and Army Group A fought at the Siege of Calais were essential in allowing the BEF a chance to regroup at Dunkirk. On May 27, with the Germans once again attacking, Gort ordered a 30-mile-long defensive perimeter to be established around Dunkirk. The British and French soldiers manning this perimeter were charged with holding the Germans back in order to give time for the evacuation. The Evacuation From Dunkirk While the retreat was underway, Admiral Bertram Ramsey in Dover, Great Britain began considering the possibility of an amphibious evacuation starting on May 20, 1940. Ultimately, the British had less than a week to plan Operation Dynamo, the large-scale evacuation of British and other Allied troops from Dunkirk. The plan was to send ships from England across the Channel and have them pick up troops waiting on the beaches of Dunkirk. Although there were over a quarter of a million troops waiting to be picked up, the planners expected to only be able to save 45,000. Part of the difficulty was the harbor at Dunkirk. The gentle shelving of the beach meant that much of the harbor was too shallow for ships to enter. To solve this, smaller craft had to travel from ship to beach and back again to gather passengers for loading. This took a lot of extra time and there were not enough small boats to fulfill this job quickly. The waters were also so shallow that even these smaller craft had to stop 300 feet from the waterline and soldiers had to wade out to their shoulders before they could climb aboard. With not enough supervision, many desperate soldiers ignorantly overloaded these small boats, causing them to capsize. Another problem was that when the first ships set out from England, starting on May 26, they didn’t really know where to go. Troops were spread out over 21-miles of beaches near Dunkirk and the ships were not told where along these beaches they should load. This caused confusion and delay. Fires, smoke, Stuka dive bombers, and German artillery were definitely another problem. Everything seemed to be on fire, including cars, buildings, and an oil terminal. Black smoke covered the beaches. Stuka dive bombers attacked the beaches, but focused their attention along the waterline, hoping and often succeeding in sinking some of the ships and other watercraft. The beaches were large, with sand dunes in the back. Soldiers waited in long lines, covering the beaches. Although exhausted from long marches and little sleep, soldiers would dig in while waiting their turn in line – it was too loud to sleep. Thirst was a major problem on the beaches; all the clean water in the area had been contaminated. Speeding Things Up The loading of soldiers into small landing craft, ferrying them to the larger ships, and then coming back to reload was an excruciatingly slow process. By midnight on May 27, only 7,669 men had made it back to England. To speed things up, Captain William Tennant ordered a destroyer to come directly alongside the East Mole at Dunkirk on May 27. (The East Mole was a 1600-yard-long causeway that was used as a breakwater.) Although not built for it, Tennant’s plan to have troops embark directly from the East Mole worked wonderfully and from then on it became the main location for soldiers to load. On May 28, 17,804 soldiers were taken back to England.   This was an improvement, but hundreds of thousands more still needed saving. The rearguard was, for now, holding off the German assault, but it was a matter of days, if not hours, before the Germans would break through the defensive line. More help was needed. In Britain, Ramsey worked tirelessly to get every single boat possible – both military and civilian -- across the Channel to pick up the stranded troops. This flotilla of ships eventually included destroyers, minesweepers, anti-submarine trawlers, motor boats, yachts, ferries, launches, barges, and any other kind of boat they could find. The first of the â€Å"little ships† made it to Dunkirk on May 28, 1940. They loaded up men from the beaches east of Dunkirk and then headed back through the dangerous waters to England. Stuka dive bombers plagued the boats and they had to be constantly on the lookout for German U-boats. It was a dangerous venture, but it helped save the British Army. On May 31, 53,823 soldiers were brought back to England, thanks in a large part to these little ships. Near midnight on June 2, the St. Helier left Dunkirk, carrying the very last of the BEF troops. However, there were still more French troops to rescue. The crews of the destroyers and other craft were exhausted, having made numerous trips to Dunkirk without rest and yet they still went back to save more soldiers. The French also helped by sending ships and civilian craft. At 3:40 a.m. on June 4, 1940, the very last ship, the Shikari, left Dunkirk. Although the British had expected to only save 45,000, they succeeded in rescuing a total of 338,000 Allied troops. Aftermath The evacuation of Dunkirk was a retreat, a loss, and yet the British troops were greeted as heroes when they got home. The whole operation, which some have termed â€Å"the Miracle of Dunkirk,† gave the British a battle cry and became a rallying point for the rest of the war.    Most importantly, the evacuation of Dunkirk saved the British Army and did allow it to fight another day.    * Sir Winston Churchill as quoted in Major General Julian Thompson, Dunkirk: Retreat to Victory (New York: Arcade Publishing, 2011) 172.

Wednesday, May 6, 2020

Animal Testing Is Wrong And Cruel Animals - 1195 Words

Being away at college makes you realize all the little things that you miss. Something’s that you did not even know you liked, loved, or would even miss when you are away from home for weeks at a time. My favorite part about coming home is the second I walk through the door, I am greeted by my dog. I always thought she was the biggest pain in the butt that liked to eat my favorite pieces of clothing. But seeing how happy she is when I come home makes me grateful for her. So my love for my dog has made me realize that animal testing is wrong and cruel to animals. I will be going over some of the history of animal testing, giving examples of some of the tests that are being performed, and mentioning some of the laws and acts created. While reading through this think is this test necessary when the animals will be put through cruel procedures. This is why I think that animal testing should be reevaluated to see if it is really worthwhile. What is animal testing some people ask, a nd why is it such a big deal? The definition that the Human Society International gave was animal testing is preforming procedures on living animals to future basic research for biology, diseases, and new medicines. Animal testing becomes a big deal when there are test that are just cruel and have no real outcome that will help humans. The first animal tests started with Aristotle and Erasistratus back in the third and fourth century BCE. Then in the second century, Galen started dissecting pigs andShow MoreRelatedAnimal Testing Is Cruel Or Beneficial?1154 Words   |  5 PagesDo you know what happens behind the closed doors of scientist labs? You probably do not because of the cruel things that animals go through every day. People probably don t think this is a big deal, but I am neutral on the subject. But, I do see the wrong and right things that are happening. Animals are taken advantage of in terrible ways every single day in scientists labs all around the world. But, they he lp us with many health benefits. Health benefits at could change and even cure some diseasesRead MoreAnimal Testing Should Be Banned Essay537 Words   |  3 Pagesmillions of animals are used to test how safe and effective products, such as cosmetics, are. They are genetically modified, force-fed harmful chemicals, blinded, scalded, and maimed. How could one not object to this awful cruelty? Animal testing should be banned because it is cruel, unnecessary, inaccurate, and expensive. The very first reason why animal testing should be banned is elementary: it is cruel and unnecessary. Approximately 17-22 million animals are used for testing each year inRead MoreThe Effects Of Animal Cruelty1691 Words   |  7 PagesAnimal cruelty has become a problem, it is causing harm to the animals lives. Animal Cruelty is the suffering of an animal, whether it is caused on purpose or not. There are other things that are cruel to animals, such as the testing of animals. These animals have no protection by law, which means they can be used for any testing. This is unacceptable, unfair, and cruel that these animals have to be used in testing. Animals are just as important as humans. Their are those who believe that it is okayRead MoreAnimal Testing Is Wrong1495 Words   |  6 PagesHarmful Testing on Animals is Wrong In American society, many groups and organizations are debating whether or not animal testing should be banned. Some people believe that there are reasons why animal testing should be done. Others believe that animal testing is morally wrong. Some experts believe that there are other options available. I believe that animal testing is wrong based on three observations: animal testing is unethical, pointless, and abusive. Numerous years ago, animal testing was startedRead MoreAnimal Testing Should Not Be Banned1136 Words   |  5 PagesAnimal experimentation is not the most accurate testing, just because some medicine and cosmetic product pass an animal test it doesn’t mean it has a beneficial effect on humans. Animal tests have evolved in many ways throughout history in negative and positive ways. A strong negative being that we are different from animals but not just animals we are also different from each other. There are many arguments that we humans wouldn’t be where we are today if it wasn’t for reliance on animal testingRead MoreAnimal Experimentation Should Not Be Banned857 Words   |  4 Pagesmeaning about animal experimentation. Animal experimentation is the use of animals, mostly monkeys, on research. Reason being as to why monkeys is because monkeys are far more intelligent than other animals. Animals are stripped from the environment and are tested on so scienti sts can make products safe for humans. The big problem is that it is inhumane. Animal experimentation should and needs to be stopped because it is cruel, unethical, and not reliable. Having scientists test on animals is cruelRead MoreEssay on The Use of Animal Research 1431 Words   |  6 PagesHow will animal research tell us the outcomes of the human body? How can we live longer and healthier lives with the use of animals? Do animals have a link to the human body that we are able to prove that trying new drugs or new cosmetics will be a benefit for us? I disagree. I believe we test on animals to figure out what are the possible outcomes for humans; however, the use of animals is cruel and unnecessary because they do not have a similar body system as humans do. We use at least a millionsRead MoreJunior Rios. Britschgi. English 3. March 21St, 2017. Animal1004 Words   |  5 PagesBritschgi English 3 March 21st, 2017 Animal Testing Throughout the years the use of animals in medical research has been a hot debate around the world. Although animal testing may be cruel and inhumane, thousands of humans are saved thanks to the research that animals supply researchers with. Animals testing have taken over our knowledge of medicine and treatments to a whole different level. Animal testing also does this in a cheap and effective way. Without animals testing out knowledge wouldn’t be up toRead MoreMedical Testing on Animals is Considered Animal Cruelty Essay1020 Words   |  5 PagesResearch on living animals has been practiced since at least 500 BC. Over 25 million animals are tested in labs every year. They are used for medical and scientific research. The animals used in research often undergo cruel experimentations and suffer through the pain. During medical testing, less than 2% of human illnesses are seen in animals, therefor medical testing on animals is cruel and pointless. Medical testing on animals sh ould be illegal because products that pass animal tests end up harmingRead MoreAnimal Testing Should Be Banned1613 Words   |  7 PagesStates, over seventy million animals are hurt and killed due to scientific research. Many brands have taken the pledge to become cruelty free, but there are still multiple brands that are continuing to use animals to test their products. Animal testing should be banned because it is cruel, often ineffective, can not detect for many diseases that humans are exposed to, and can be unsafe due to the differences between animals and humans. Animal testing has been seen as cruel and inhumane for hundreds

Tuesday, May 5, 2020

Case study on Marketing Management Success Secret behind Hybrid Cars

Question: Describe about Market Description, PESTLE Analysis and Market segmentation and targeting of Hybrid Cars Of Toyota? Answer: Introduction Marketing management is considered as a subject that encompasses all the functional activities of the firm in context of their customer base build-up and maintenance (Chesbrough, 2009). As competition is increasing in the global business scenario, the process of marketing and its related activities have also transformed. Now firms are trying to develop a long-term sustainable relationship with their customers instead of only creating product and service awareness. Apart from these, technological growth has also contributed in the evolution of marketing processes across the global business scenario. The report focuses on the marketing management processes implemented by Toyota for their hybrid cars. Background of Organisation: Toyota Motor Corporation is one of the largest organisations in the global automotive industry. Toyota is a Japanese manufacturer of automobile and automobile parts and is headquartered in Aichi, Japan. Considering their financial segment, Toyota has been ranked as the 12th largest company in the world in context of revenue generation (Toyota, 2014). The product base of the company is a diverse offering which reflects quality and innovation amalgamated for serving consumer needs (Toyota, 2014). From the first automobile produced by Toyota as Toyota AA and till the latest designs of hybrid, electric and smart cars, Toyota has marked a revolution in the production and management system of automobile industry (Toyota, 2014). Toyota also known as the father of lean production system has introduced many new operational concepts such as Lean, JIT, Jidoka, Kanban, etc. The entire workforce of Toyota consists of almost 350000 employees who are dedicated towards the organisational aims and ob jectives (Toyota, 2014). Market Description The automobile market can be mainly segmented into three categories namely, luxury cars, consumer cars and sports cars (Boulton, Libert and Samek, 2009). The firms operating in the automobile industry can opt to operate in all the three segments or just be specialised in production of any one type of vehicle. Big players of the industry such as Volkswagen, General Motor, BMW, Toyota, Mitsubishi are renowned for having a diverse product base that operates in all the major automobile markets (Cool and Schendel, 2010). With highest production capability and a large range of product base, German automobile giant Volkswagen is known to be the leader of the industry in all the three segments Considering the market of hybrid cars, Toyota and Volkswagen are the leaders of the segment. They have focuses on more specific needs of the consumers and also directed their operational process to fulfil consumer expectations and also ensure sustainability in their business process. Toyota products such as Prius, Auris, Prius + and the new Yaris have been proclaimed to be among the best cars in the hybrid section. Toyota Prius and Yaris have also been ranked as number 6 and 8 in the list of top 10 hybrid cars (Toyota, 2014). The top position in this segment is held by BMWs i3. The competition among the top players of the industry is fierce which has also increased the focus of the management of the concerned firms towards the marketing practices. Companies such as Volkswagen, BMW and Mercedes who were not known for their traditional marketing aspects have started communicating with their consumers via various marketing means in order to improve the scope of future business sustainab ility in the competitive market place. PESTLE Analysis: Figure 1: PESTLE Analysis (Source: Parasuraman and Grewal, 2008, p - 56) Political: The political scenario of Japan and the global market place is being mainly driven by the economic contribution of the organisations towards national requirements. This is one of the major factors that have helped Toyota lead the automobile industry. Being the 2nd largest company in Japan, in terms of market capital, Toyota has continuously shown their support for political stability (Glowik and Smyczek, 2011). However, changes in political scenario of overseas countries have resulted in barriers as taxation policies and other regulations also change with the changes in the Government of a nation. Economical: The economical strength of the nation is one of the major factors that influence the operations of the automobile industry. The recent global financial meltdown of 2007-08 is an apt example of economic impact on the operations of the automobile firms. In major automobile markets such as America and Europe, the consumer spending power reduced because of the recession and hence the sales also reduced (Hall, 2011). However, Toyota was among the few firms which were able to generate profits during the recession because of in-depth penetration in the Asian markets such as India and China (Lavie, Haunschild, and Khanna, 2012). Social: The social aspect is related to the lifestyle of the people, their taste and preferences. The concept of hybrid cars in this regard has increased the viability of the vehicles in the industry (Parasuraman and Grewal, 2008). On the other hand, consumer groups who are price sensitive are also engaged with the automobile market because of the low fuel consumption of the cars. However, country of origin affect may hamper the business opportunities of Toyota in some countries such as China (Douglas and Craig, 2007). But Cannon and Homburg (2008) stated that as urbanisation is increasing the scope of automobile industry is further expected to increase in the business segment. Technological: Technological contribution is one of the pillars of automobile industry that has a large share in the development and growth of the global automobile industry. The technological changes taking place in the consumer and seller segments have created a better opportunity for the parties to communicate and understand each other. The entire concept of hybrid cars is another contribution of technology on the operations of the automobile firms (Baker, Nancarrow and Tinson, 2009). Focusing on the operational activities of Toyota, most of their supply chain system is designed on automated systems which again another technological support is provided for maintaining the daily activities of the company (Alvarez, and Casielles, 2008). Legal: The legal factors relating to the operations of the automobile industry is mainly related to the taxation aspects for import and export of goods. The multinational organisations such as Toyota, Mitsubishi and Volkswagen have set up manufacturing units in various geographic regions for reducing the taxation imposed on the business (Viardot, 2007). Other important aspect is based on the environmental concerns such as pollution and waste management process of the business. Environmental: The environmental concerns for the automobile industry are one of the primary barriers for business growth. The rapid urbanisation and the increase in the consumption of automobiles have also subsequently increased the environmental concerns. Global authorities such as EU and UNESCO have provided standards for operations in order to reduce the overall carbon footprint of the industry and manage the industrial wastage (Doyle and Stern, 2010). Porters Five Forces: Competitor Analysis (High): The automobile market is highly competitive because of the growing demand of the consumers and also the increasing rate of urbanisation. The aspect of globalisation has also enhanced the scope of the companies operating in the concerned sector. Big players such as Volkswagen, Mercedes, General Motors, Ford, Toyota, etc are battling it out for being the best service provider (Bowman and Gatignon, 2010). The focus of these organisations has however mainly aligned towards the emerging BRIC nations (Barker and Chitty, 2009). Apart from this, the growth of popularity of the hybrid and sports cars segment has also increased the complexity of operations as business firms. The hybrid car segment has also been considered as the most value added car segment for the consumers considering the consumption of fuel. Companies such as Toyota, Volkswagen and BMW are among the leaders in the hybrid section of automobile industry (Adair, 2011). Figure 1: Porters Five Forces (Source: Aaker, 2010, p - 69) Threats of new entrants (Moderate): The threats of the new entrants are considerable low in the automobile industry because of the high capital requirements and strict regulatory requirements of the industry (Aaker, 2010). On the other hand, new firms are entering the industry not as complete manufacturers but as producers and providers of individual parts (Viardot, 2007). This is reducing the customer contact of the existing firms and also creating scope for joint operations of the new producers. Threats of substitute products (High): The substitute products for automobile industry are low considering other means of transportation as only the public mode such as bus and other commercial public transport systems. However, similar products are increasing in the market which is also fuelling the competition among the firms. Products such as Toyota Prius + and Volkswagen Golf Hatchback are almost similar in context of features and fuel consumption (Hall, 2011). These factors suggest the requirement for more intense innovation in the operational process of the firms. Bargaining Power of Consumers (Low): Although the number of firms operating in the automobile segment is increasing but the bargaining power of the consumers remains to be minimal. This is mainly because of the brand value of the products and the high brand switching cost attached with the products (Bowman and Gatignon, 2010). The consumer power however has started to increase with the increase in the access to market information courtesy improvement in information and technology aspects (Lavie, Haunschild, and Khanna, 2012). Bargaining Power of Suppliers (Moderate): The bargaining power of the suppliers have been considered to be moderate because of the specific nature of demands of the automobile firms. The requirements of quality standards and technological compatibility of the products are among the primary needs of the companies which allow the suppliers to maintain their pricing process (Hall, 2011). However, organisations such as Toyota have reduced the bargaining power of the suppliers by introducing vertical integration in their supply chain (Viardot, 2007). Apart from this, the high brand equity of the firms also reduces the bargaining power of the suppliers. Market segmentation and targeting: The market segmentation of Toyota for the hybrid cars will mainly depend upon the services and features of the concerned product base. The hybrid cars are mainly appreciated by the consumers because of their low fuel consumption and ability to use different sources of energy such as electricity, petrol or diesel (Hall, 2011). This allows the producers to target the middle income groups of the society whose decisions are based on utility of the vehicle and value for money. Another segmentation of the consumer group can be based on the age which allows the manufacturers to focus on a younger consumer group. For Toyota, the focus has always been the mass consumers rather than the niche consumers (Bowman and Gatignon, 2010). Their products are designed for the daily usage of the customers and thus, the market segmentation of the consumers will not be a new aspect in their product launch or promotional process. The targeting of the consumers will also depend on the segmentation and positioning aspects of the consumers group. The primary target for the hybrid car section of Toyota will be the emerging nations and the major markets of Europe. Toyota already is the top firm in the domestic market but considering their multinational operations, the company needs to enhance its brand equity (Hall, 2011). The price sensitive consumer groups are the major target for Toyota. Countries such as India, Brazil and Russia are the potential market growth scopes for the company considering their capital structure and the increasing purchasing power parity of the consumers of the above mentioned nations (Viardot, 2007). Although, America is still overcoming the after-effects of the global recession, sales in US will boost the brand name of Toyota and also help them in expanding to other sections such as Middle East and African markets. The target markets have been decided mainly on the basis of the consume r purchasing power. Customer Behaviour: The consumer behaviour analysis is based on the target markets selected for the launch or introduction of hybrid cars of Toyota in the above segment. The nature of the consumers can be evaluated based on their needs and expectations from the available brands. The consumer needs have changed with the increase of the market information available to them (Aaker, 2010). However, Bowman and Gatignon (2010) mentioned that consumer expectations in context of the automobile products and services are now focused on their environmental sustainability. Furthermore, Lavie, Haunschild, and Khanna (2012) added that as the fuel prices are increasing all over the world, consumers also consider the consumption capability of the vehicles. These factors have a direct impact on the consumer behaviour of the automobile industry. Another crucial aspect of the consumer behaviour depends upon the economic status. The economic instability created in most of the major markets of the automobile industry has re sulted in slow growth and revenue generations for the companies. For instance, Ford Motors faced a negative revenue stream till 2011 before they could regenerate profit from their operations (Adair, 2011). The consumer behaviour also depends on social factors such as country of origin. The political and historical relationship of the host nations with the country of origin of the manufacturer plays a crucial role in the consumer decision making process (Aaker, 2010). This is also focused on the emotional and psychological aspects of the consumers. Apart from this the positioning of the brands also influences the consumer behaviour towards the brand or the products of a particular brand. For instance, the positioning of Volvo vehicles for American consumers is that of a safe car and hence consumers needing a safe vehicle opt for Volvo cars. Apart from these, the marketing process, promotional aspects and the consumer relationship of the manufacturers are also influencing factors which help the consumer make the decision for their preferred vehicles. However, as per the observation of Glowik and Smyczek (2011), consumers are now thinking logically for purchasing their products which has reduced the influence of sellers on their decision making process. Marketing Mix: Product: The product base considered for this marketing mix is the hybrid car section of Toyota. The hybrid cars produced by Toyota are mainly for the middle income group consumers. The cars are designed in a manner so that the cost of operations is less and the end price can be set in accordance with the market standards. Products such as Yaris and Prius have already made huge impact on the market of the hybrid cars (Glowik and Smyczek, 2011). Toyota is mainly trying to increase the engine performance of their products and reduce the fuel consumption rate (Lavie, Haunschild, and Khanna, 2012). They are also trying to enhance the electricity consumption process so that the utilisation of fuel can be reduced. Place: The place signifies the markets selected for the products. As mentioned above, Toyota is focusing on the emerging BRIC nations. India has come up as a major market for the automobile companies. Apart from this China has also transformed to a big market place for the automobile market (Glowik and Smyczek, 2011). Both these countries have focused on enhancing and improving their infrastructure and transportation process (Aaker, 2010). These two countries will be the major markets for Toyota Hybrid cars in Asia. On the other hand, the market of Brazil and Russia are not as price sensitive as the markets of India and China (Adair, 2011). Toyota will have to promote their brand and utility in these markets for promoting their hybrid vehicles. Price: The pricing process of the Toyota products are mainly focused on the market standards and the purchasing capability of the consumers. The price of Prius in UK is around 22000 and that of Yaris is within 10000-20000 (Lavie, Haunschild, and Khanna, 2012). In comparison to other hybrid cars, the pricing of Toyota can be observed as economy pricing. This is also a form of penetration considered by Toyota for building their product market in overseas. Promotion: The promotional process to be utilised by Toyota will focus on a customised method of both online and traditional promotional means. The traditional promotional means of the company will include television ads, kiosks and banners posted in the markets and industrial hubs of the nations (Glowik and Smyczek, 2011). The online marketing process will mainly focus on building consumer relations. Social media marketing, SEO, viral marketing will be the most preferred form of marketing to be considered by Toyota for launching their hybrid models (Adair, 2011). The promotional process will also indulge in creating public relations with the stakeholders so that genuine information can be processed to the consumer base. Recommendations: Based on the findings of the study, the primary recommendation for Toyota will be to enhance their branding activities in the overseas markets. Toyota is a known name in the international business segment however the domestic firms are still leveraging the advantage of home nation despite of the superior quality of Toyota products. These factors have to be nullified for improving the business performance of Toyota Hybrid cars in the international business segments. Another crucial recommendation will be to utilise the core strengths of the company for value added production process i.e. the supply chain management process Toyota supply chain is known for continuous improvement and adaptations to the changing business environment. In this regard, Toyota should focus on further improving their supply chain for creating innovative aspects in the Hybrid cars while maintaining the price tags of the products. This will provide them a cost competitive advantage in the price sensitive zones and help them develop a long-term sustainable business process. Conclusion The report is based on the marketing management process of Toyota in context of their hybrid models of vehicles. The automotive industry is one of the most fiercely competitive segments of the global market place. The growth of the business for Toyota has been continuous since their launch. The importance of Hybrid cars in the present conditions is mainly based on their environmental significance. This has prompted the big players and competitors of Toyota such as Volkswagen, BMW to produce hybrid cars and serve the customer needs. However, Toyota being a firm focused on technological intelligence and resource utilisation should be able to enhance their market presence by engaging in online and offline marketing processes in target markets. The business process of Toyota will also need to focus on building unyielding customer relationships and enhance consumer brand loyalty for the business. Reference List: Aaker, D. (2010) Strategic Market Management: Global Perspectives. 6th ed. Oxford: Blackwell Publishing. Adair, J. (2011) Effective Communication: The Most Important Management Skill of All. 5th ed. London: Prentice Hall. Alvarez, B. A. and Casielles, R. V. (2008) Consumer evaluations of sales promotion: The effect on brand choice. European Journal of Marketing, 39 (1), 54-70. Baker, C., Nancarrow, C. and Tinson, J. (2009) The mind versus market share guide to brand equity. International Journal of Market Research, 47, 5, pp. 523540 Barker, N., and Chitty, W., (2009). Integrated Marketing Communications Asia Pacific Edition. 6th ed. New York, London: Routledge. Boulton, R. E. S., Libert, B. D. and Samek, S. M. (2009) A Business Model for the New Economy. Journal of Business Strategy, 29-35. Bowman, D. and Gatignon, H. (2010) Market Response and Marketing Models, 4th ed. London: Routledge. Cannon, J. P. and Homburg, C. (2008) Buyer-supplier relationships and customer firm costs, Journal of Marketing, 65(1), 2943. Chesbrough, H. W. (2009) Business model innovation: Its not just about technology anymore. Strategy and Leadership, 35: 12-17. Cool, K. and Schendel, D. (2010) 'Performance differences among strategic group members', Strategic Management Journal, 9(3) , pp. 207-223. Douglas, S. P. and Craig, C. S. (2007) "Evolution of global marketing strategy: scale, scope and synergy," Columbia Journal of World Business, 24(3), pp. 47-59. Doyle, P. and Stern, P. (2010) Marketing Management and Strategy. 7th ed. Hoboken N.J: Wiley. Glowik, M. and Smyczek, S. (2011) International Marketing Management: Strategies, Concepts and Cases in Europe, Page 301, 4th ed. New York: Physica-Verlag. Hall, R. (2011) "The strategic analysis of intangible resources" Strategic Management Journal, 13, 135-144 Lavie, D., Haunschild, P. R. and Khanna, P. (2012) Organizational differences, relational mechanisms, and alliance performance, Strategic Management Journal, 33(13), pp. 14531479 Parasuraman, A. and Grewal, D. (2008) The impact of technology on the qualityvalueloyalty chain: A research agenda. Journal of Academic of Marketing Science, 28, 168174. Toyota (2014). Company Profile. [Online]. Available at: https://www.toyota-global.com/company/profile/ [Accessed on 31st 01 2015]. Toyota (2014). Intelligent Transport Systems. [Online]. Available at: https://www.toyota-global.com/company/profile/ [Accessed on 31st 01 2015]. Toyota (2014). Vision Philosophy. [Online]. Available at: https://www.toyota-global.com/company/profile/ [Accessed on 31st 01 2015]. Viardot, E. (2007) Successful marketing strategy for high-tech firms. 6th ed. Norwood: Artech House.

Sunday, April 5, 2020

Solar Eclipses for Beginners free essay sample

An eclipse refers to the part of the earth covered by the penumbra outside the moons shadow when the moon runs between Earth and the Sun. When the Earth runs into the penumbra of the Moon, part of the Sun seen in this area is The moon obstructs the astronomical phenomenon. The eclipse is a common astronomical phenomenon. On June 2, 2011, Beijing time, a partial solar eclipse was observed in Northeast China.Partial solar eclipse is a phenomenon in which the moon forms a shadow on the earth between the earth and the sun. The shadow of the moon can be divided into three parts : umbra, penumbra and pseudo-umbra . The moons orbit around the earth and the earths orbit around the sun are not perfectly round. Therefore, the distance between the moon and the earth is close. Therefore, in the penumbra, the observer sees that the sun is partly covered by the moon and is called a partial eclipse. We will write a custom essay sample on Solar Eclipses for Beginners or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page In the solar eclipse, the observer sees that the sun is covered by the moon in the umbra range and is called the total solar eclipse; The next ring of light is called the solar eclipse.When the moon runs around the earth until the sun and the earth are almost co-occurring with the sun, the moon is not visible from Earth. At this time, it is known as the embarrassment. The solar eclipse occurs when the eclipse occurs. The cycle of crickets is approximately 29.53 days. But not every solar eclipse occurs every 29.53 days. The reason is that the orbital plane of the moon orbiting the earth does not completely coincide with the orbital plane of the earth orbiting the sun. There is an average angle of 5Â ° 9? between the moon. Therefore, the solar eclipse will occur only when the sun is within a certain angle from the intersection of the two orbital planes. Frequent causesIt is the most common solar eclipse phenomenon because both total solar eclipse or an annular eclipse or eclipse is more complex,In most areas other than the whole (loop) food zone and in the entire Japanese (circle) food zone, most of the time from the beginning of the loss to the time before the resumption of the round, all the eclipses were seen, and more eclipses were observed. It is only the shadow of the moon shadow or its extension line does not pass through the ground, but the penumbra outside the shadow of the moon passes through the ground, then only a partial eclipse on the ground.

Sunday, March 8, 2020

Group psychotherapy is a special form of therapy Essay Example

Group psychotherapy is a special form of therapy Essay Example Group psychotherapy is a special form of therapy Essay Group psychotherapy is a special form of therapy Essay Group therapy can profit many different people, from those holding troubles with interpersonal relationships to those covering with specific jobs such as depression, anxiousness, serious medical unwellness, loss, habit-forming upsets or behavioural jobs. Peoples develop a support web through each other no longer experiencing isolated by their status and deriving a greater sense of normalcy.A Therefore, during the group procedure, curative alteration is experient known as the curative factors . There are 11 curative factors: : Instillation of Hope Universality Imparting information Altruism The disciplinary palingenesis of the primary household group Development of socialising techniques Imitative behaviour Interpersonal Learning Group Cohesiveness Catharsis Experiential Factors These factors are mutualist and do non happen or work individually but represent many different parts of the alteration procedure. INSTILLATION OF HOPE What it is: In instillment of hope, the therapist Acts of the Apostless as a facilitator to engraft positive outlooks and corrects negative biass before the chief activity. Consequently, the activity will look meaningful to the group members, thereby actuate them to remain in the group. Why it is healing: Hope is a curative factor as it helps the client to better by detecting the other members cope with and get the better of their troubles. This in bend boosts up the self-pride of the client to take part and set up a curative resonance. Trained equals among the members besides encourage each other in take parting actively, hence, cut downing wellness attention costs and someway doing group intercession of more importance than single 1s. 3 ways to ease this healing factor: Sharing of experience A group member who has improved a batch from group therapy can be asked to come and associate his experience to new group members. For illustration, he/she may associate to them how his/her first group had been, how he/she had felt at the beginning of the group, and besides, how he/she felt after several Sessionss. From this feedback, new members will experience bucked up and more hopeful. Puting up homogenous groups Group therapy with people undergoing the same status, e.g. depression, utilizing cured people as group leaders. Group members will portion their narratives with one another and how they overcome their hard times. On seeing how others tackle with their troubles, members will be inspired and experience encouraged. Questions When the group begins, the therapist/leader can inquire inquiries like: Does this group sound like it would work for you? or what would your outlook for this group be? . Through these inquiries, some members may answer that they feel diffident or uncomfortable, while some might be believing positively. When to ease this healing factor: This curative factor is normally facilitated before the group starts. Universality What it is: At the beginning of the group therapy session, some members of the group may experience stray and believe that they are alone and apart from the other members. However, after interaction within themselves, they feel that they are all in the same boat , that is, they all portion more or less the same feelings and emotions. Why it is healing: Universality is healing since it a powerful beginning of alleviation cognizing that we all have practically similar concerns, quandary and life experiences that we portion in common. During the session, clients get the chance to see deep concern about their sense of worth, may it be strength or failings and their ability to associate to others. It is a manner for members of the group to show themselves freely about feelings like shame, stigma and self-blame that have long been a load for them. Finally, the sharing of deepest concerns may trip unplanned healing factors like katharsis which may farther be facilitated by the healer. 3 ways to ease this healing factor: Activity- e.g. Fear Hat: group members are asked to compose their extreme fright on a piece of paper. The documents are so assorted in the chapeau. Each member picks up a paper and read it aloud and asked to give solutions about how to face this fright. Normally, in such type of activity, members may happen that they have more or less common frights and solutions. Puting up homogenous groups: group therapy with people confronting the same job e.g. depression, might be much more easy for them to experience this catholicity and be more motivated to portion their life experiences. The healer can be a good facilitator by inquiring inquiries like: who felt the same? or do you experience the same asaˆÂ ¦ ? to do group members aware that they are non different and apart from each other. When to ease this healing factor: Universality is normally facilitated in the early phases of the therapy normally in the forming stage. Conveyance OF Information What it is: Didactic direction: Didactic instructions are instructions given by the professional ( healer ) . Direct advice: direct advice occurs in every therapy group whereby advice or suggestions come from the healer every bit good as group members. Why it is healing: Didactic direction allows clients to work together in coaction. The group leader helps members to cover with their groundless frights and certain incorrect thoughts about infectiousness. He provides members with information bout their unwellness, intervention option, future hazards and recommendations. He besides helps them face traumatic irritability with active header. Consequently, members in the group learn to go clear, accepting and non-judgmental perceivers. Direct advice can be used to find a group s age by the manner the members formulate inquiries. Advice-giving serves as a usher to be more clear and expressed about interpersonal pathology. 3 ways to ease this healing factor: A picture cartridge holder or informative movie related to the first order aim of the group session can be good. Subsequently, the healer ushers group members to reflect on the information conveyed by the picture. Didactic direction can be facilitated through talks by an expert with the assistance of a posting presentation related to the subject, e.g. alcohol addiction. To ease direct advice about a peculiar subject, images related to this subject can be distributed to group members and asked to portion their sentiments and suggestions among themselves. When to ease this healing factor: This healing factor is normally facilitated in the early phase of the freshly formed group and can be moreover facilitated by the healer throughout the therapy as it occurs with regularity. Altruism What it is: Through selflessness, members gain through giving, non merely in having aid, as portion of the mutual giving-receiving sequence. This means that if members help each other through coaction and corporation, all of them are traveling to derive something at the terminal may it be a touchable or an intangible end-product. Why it is healing: Group therapy with selflessness as healing factor offers the chance to clients to experience that they are good to others in footings of aid receiving systems and suppliers, that is, aid others feel that they have something of value to offer. The group becomes the secure zone for support, reassurance, suggestions and the hazard to unwrap certain similar jobs with one another. Consequently, group members build trust among them and number on each other for self-generated and true reactions and feedback, particularly patients get bying with serious unwellnesss. Altruism is a direct beginning of duties to those from whom members wish to have attention. 3 ways to ease this healing factor: Trade activities: doing a trade and offering it to a equal in the group is an effectual manner to ease selflessness. Questions: e.g. the healer may inquire a participant: who have you appreciated the most? . Hereby, the individual appreciated might experience aghast and happy. Activity: e.g. Scavenger hunting: a list of things to look for on the topographic point within a clip frame is given to two squads divided among the group members. The procedure of sharing the duty of whom to look for what and assisting each other builds up selflessness. When to ease this healing factor: Altruism is normally facilitated in the norming and executing stage. THE CORRECTIVE RE-ENACTMENT OF THE PRIMARY FAMILY GROUP What it is: Most clients who enter groups, have had a troubled, unsatisfactory background in the most of import group of their life: the primary household group. The group becomes a utility household in many ways: a therapy group consists of a leader or a co-leader who may stand for the parents, while the other group members may replace for siblings. Since the leader or co-leader is regarded as the parent, some group members tend to seek attending and fondness from them, while others perceive the leaders as dominating, important or commanding. Why it is healing: It is a valuable tool which helps clients in voicing out pent-up feelings through actions or gestures. These pent-up feelings are those they have one time felt in early relationships. The therapy group gives clients the chance to re-experience early household struggles ( e.g. parent-child struggles or sibling competitions ) in a right manner, and which may besides supply group members a opportunity to decide and rectify dysfunctional interpersonal relationships with the aid of the healer and other group members. Furthermore, this healing factor allows clients to research how childhood experiences have affected their behavior. 3 ways to ease this healing factor: Activity Given a scenario, group members act out a given function, e.g. , mother/father/daughter/son/siblings. The scenario should be something powerful which will do the participants feel angry or sad. Question After a function drama, the healer can be a good facilitator by inquiring inquiries like: How easy was it to move out the functions? , What did you larn from this exercising? , What can you make to better your moving? , or how of import is it to be able to move? . Activity E.g. Pull a Picture to Better a Relationship: Group members are asked to pull a image for person ( from the group itself ) , with whom they want to better their relationship. They can besides add some notes if they wish to. Then, they give it to that individual. Since the therapy group becomes a utility household, group members will be able to show their feelings to person in the group who may stand for the parents or siblings, and therefore, rectifying their behavior and relationship with that individual. When to ease this healing factor: This healing factor can be facilitated in the storming stage. In this stage, the intimacy and the strong bond which have already been established among the group members makes it easier for a client to accept feedback from others. Group members can so work out closely to rectify dysfunctional relationships. DEVELOPMENT OF SOCIALISING TECHNIQUES What it is: The development of basic societal accomplishments occurs in therapy groups. Group therapy focuses on bettering societal accomplishments through feedbacks. For illustration, group members offer feedback to one another about the rightness of others behaviors. Why it is healing: While this may be a painful and hurtful experience, nevertheless, the strong bond and the trust that exist between the group members make it easy to offer feedbacks and information about maladaptive societal behavior. The feedback is offered in a direct and honest manner. Clients are so less likely to experience offended by the feedback and will accept the facts, therefore, assisting to better clients relationship both within and outside the group. The development of socializing techniques is besides curative because the group scene is safe and supportive, and allows group members to experiment safely without fright of failure. 3 ways to ease this healing factor: Activity Role drama, e.g. exposing group members to polite societal books like traveling for a occupation interview or traveling to a eating house. After the activity, perceivers can notice on participants public presentation and how they can better their address or facial looks or gestures to look polite. Activity Formulate your sentences. This activity can be done to assist group members learn different ways to show themselves straight and clearly without judging or arousing others by re-formulating their sentences. It besides helps in bettering societal accomplishments. The undermentioned image gives an illustration of how to explicate sentences. Questions After a function drama, the healer can be a good facilitator by inquiring inquiries like: how hard was it to move out? or how of import is it to be able to move? . When to ease the healing factor: This healing factor is usually facilitated in the norming and acting stages, after coherence has been good established. Normally, before the norming and acting stages, group members have already acquired different ways of pull offing struggles, and they are more likely to be able to show themselves. Hence, the healing factor should be facilitated in the norming and acting stages. IMITATIVE BEHAVIOUR What it is: In a group therapy, clients tend to be influenced by the healer. For illustration, in a group, the healer will back up, listen, observe and offer non-judgmental feedback to group members. At a certain point, clients will follow these behaviors and integrate them. Not merely do they copy the healer, but they will, at a certain point, besides try to copy other group members. Why it is healing: Imitative behavior is healing because it is a signifier of larning members observe and learn how others tackle and overcome their troubles. Clients invariably seek out all those behaviors ( particularly positive 1s, because positive behaviors evoke a positive response from the group ) until they feel that a peculiar behavior fits them. 3 ways to ease this healing factor: Activity Role drama, e.g. Carrying person to acquire up from his/her place. In this activity, one by one, each member, including the healer, will seek to carry another group member to acquire up from his/her place in a right manner, without being aggressive. Throughout the activity, each member will detect how others dealt with the state of affairs and therefore, they will seek to copy some of the behaviors which they find suited. By the terminal of the activity, the last member to seek this out would be the 1 who has seen everyone act. Therefore, he will integrate the positive behavior, which will take to a positive response. Theme Covering with hard state of affairss . An activity related to this subject can be done, whereby each member will associate about a state of affairs he has late had. Other group members will so give solutions as to how they can cover with this state of affairs. Throughout this activity, there can be person who will come frontward with sensible thoughts or thoughts of wisdom. This will bring forth a positive response from the group. Hence, on seeing the elicited positive response, other members will seek to respond the same manner ; they will seek to copy those behaviors and present some solutions which they feel might be really much appreciated by others, therefore, making a positive response. Questions After a function drama, the healer can ease the imitative behavior by inquiring inquiries like: Do you believe that the individual might hold felt hurt by your behavior? or Can you seek to make like this? When to ease the healing factor: Imitative behavior can be facilitated in the early phases of the group, i.e. in the forming stages, since members will hold ample clip to experiment new behaviors. INTERPERSONAL LEARNING What it is: Interpersonal acquisition occurs largely within a group. It is through interactions and sharing of one s ain reactions and perceptual experience of each other s behavior. There are three of import constructs to ease interpersonal acquisition, foremost the interpersonal relationships, disciplinary emotional experiences and eventually societal microcosm. Why it is healing: Interpersonal communicating additions socialisation. It besides helps to understand each other by sharing intelligence and cognition. It is besides a average how it is possible to develop a trust between each other. It teaches the type of feeling one should hold towards others. It gives an chance to larn to near others. Learning from others feedbacks, if I confuse people by non stating what I truly think. It is another manner to indicate out one s ain wonts and idiosyncrasies that annoy other people. 3 ways to ease this healing factor: Subject: Geting penetration of one s job Question: the healer can inquire inquiries such as: who wants to propose solutions to this job? . Activity: Drawn to career- group members to discourse their ends if they were a politician, lawyer, instructor, curate or a physician, societal worker. When to ease the healing factor: Interpersonal acquisition can be facilitated in ramping and norming stages of group therapy. GROUP COHESIVENESS What it is: Cohesiveness is a basic belongings of groups. It is a bond that helps the group to work good together and be successful in making their ends. Cohesiveness has two dimensions: emotional ( or personal ) and task-related. The emotional facet of coherence is derived from the connexion that members feel to other group members and to their group as a whole. A good therapist- client relationship is said to be critical for a positive result and this is characterized by trust, heat, empathetic apprehension and credence. The relationship of the client- healer in single therapy encompasses the person s relationship to the group healer, to the other group members and to the group as a whole. All these relationships in the group are referred as group coherence . All the groups do non portion the same type of coherence. The importance of group coherence Group coherence is the manner how to acquire people in a group connected, committed and in harmoniousness with undertaking ends and aims. Both emotional connection and the experience of group effectivity contribute to group coherence. The demand for belonging is unconditioned in us all. Both during single or group therapy, this demand is addressed for case therapy groups may bring forth a positive trust, empathy and credence. An person is accepted merely if the latter adheres to the norms and effects set by the group. Group coherence as experienced by the members creates lasting relationships which might be for the first clip in some of the latter s life. There are many benefits to group coherence. Four chief benefits are: The communicating within the group is much more extensive.A In other words, people who like each other communicate better and more often with each other. Groups that are more cohesive have positive interactions with one another.A Peoples are more friendly and there is an increased feeling of the group as a whole.A As a consequence, the group acts as a whole non as persons. A group that has a high degree of group coherence is much more successful in accomplishing their goal.A The feeling of togetherness in the group motivates members to accomplish the coveted end and their attempts addition. The members in groups that are cohesive are much more satisfied with that group.A As a consequence, they are more willing to remain in the group longer and frequently recommend the group to others. The mechanism of action The healer needs to move as a facilitator hence making conditions for self- geographic expedition and to take the hurdlings that block the procedure of growing. Acceptance and understanding among members help to break beef up the group than being accepted by the healer. Therefore the experience felt by homo is truly of great value to the person in the group. The more an person is bonded to the group, the greater the regard he has to it and the higher his self- regard. Why it is healing: Group coherence is an of import concept in understanding the behaviour of groups. It is non simply a powerful curative force but is besides a stipulation for other curative factors to work optimally. Hence coherence is necessary for other group curative factors to run. Group coherence besides helps in promoting unfastened look of dissension. It has a sense of squad spirit and the willingness of its members to organize their attempts. Furthermore, it has a echt sense of equal assisting and societal support, stepping up for what is right, traveling squad along in the right way. It raises one s ego regard and assist alter their behaviours and attitudes towards others. The group members learn to be responsible and independent. 3 ways to ease this healing factor: Activities: Island game- all the group members should stand on a piece of newspaper ( the island ) so the healer will rupture pieces and the members should group together forestalling themselves from falling off the paper. Helium Stick: All the group members will seek to put the stick on the floor utilizing merely one finger. Subjects: Increasing the squad spirit between group members The session will be tied to commitment, coaction, teamwork or single and common answerability. When to ease the healing factor: This healing factor would be facilitated at the beginning of the group and can be facilitated during ramping stage as when uncomfortableness will emerge. The work will be more ambitious. Catharsis What it is: Catharsis is derived from the Greek word which is translated as cleansing or purification . It is a powerful and nonvoluntary experience of emotional discharge followed by a feeling of great alleviation. These emotional discharges can be expressed both positively and negatively. In general, those members of the group ( high scholars ) who showed a profile of katharsis normally express a signifier of cognitive acquisition. Catharsis is therefore an indispensable constituent of the alteration procedure. Catharsis is said to be more helpful once it is related to cohesiveness. Along with these group bonds, strong look of emotion is enhanced ensuing into positive results. Why it is healing: Catharsis helps to see and responds fruitfully to life s challenges. It is a good manner to manage choler and accomplish a desirable province of relaxation. Catharsis allows clients to air out out their feelings and helps in the command of affectional experiences and emotions. It helps group members to accomplish interpersonal acquisition. It besides helps in geting accomplishments for the hereafter and to derive personal growing in groups. Catharsis is besides curative when it applies to the look of negative affect particularly in true instances when an single understands himself or the other individual in the group. 3 ways to ease this healing factor: Subjects: Covering with struggles Activities: Argument after watching a calamity cartridge holder or intelligence Each member will state something negative about the other group member that they neer had the bravery to state hence there will be the consequence of surprise and surprisingness. When to ease the healing factor: Catharsis can be facilitated during the group treatment and in the norming stage. EXISTENTIAL FACTORS What it is: Experiential factors are all those factors related to existence ultimate duty for our ain behavior, basic isolation in footings of confronting life entirely, decease, hurting and unpredictability of being, and their confrontation against the rough experiential facts of life. Why it is healing: This healing factor should be facilitated as the full class of experiential factors is frequently graded higher as compared to other healing factors. Group members besides learn to develop greater familiarity with others and its bounds every bit good. Therapists facilitate experiential factors by doing clients larn about how to confront their restrictions with bravery, e.g. some factors like basic solitariness can non be taken off and resolved, but can merely be known and finally embraced as built-in portion of being. Clients with serious unwellness are brought aggressively back to world and prioritise their concerns in their proper position. Consequently, they may go more optimistic and lend their unwellness positively to their lives. 3 ways to ease this healing factor: Question Therapist can inquire inquiry like: how make you experience when you have to work with person you have non chosen? . Through feedback, members will gain that they are responsible for their ain life, no affair who comes in their life. Activity Fear Hat. In this activity, members will compose their secret frights on a piece of paper. The documents are so assorted in a chapeau. Each member picks up a paper randomly and read it aloud and gives solutions about how to face this fright. Throughout this activity, each member will go cognizant of all types of fright and rough facts of life that they might themselves confront one twenty-four hours or the other. They will besides larn how to accept those hard worlds. Activity Making a personal batch. In this activity, each group member draws a batch and divides it into six parts in which they write about the followers: a personal symbol, successes, defect ( s ) , dreams, stepping rocks and a quotation mark. The healer so asks each member to portion with the group what he has written on the batch. Becoming aware of their strengths, failings and what maintain them keep on to life will alarm group members and actuate them to withstand the tough experiential facts of life. When to ease this healing factor: Experiential factors are facilitated at the terminal of the group therapy session in the expiration stage because the healer wants the members to detach themselves from the group and travel out in the society and face life entirely because no affair how much support one may have from others, he is on his ain duty. Decision Group intercession is one avenue that holds considerable promise in accomplishing improved intervention results and an economically sustainable wellness attention system. The curative factors built-in in the procedure of group reding are powerful mechanisms of alteration and guarantee that appropriate chances exist for their happening. The happening and impact of these curative factors vary within a group and from group to group. Additionally, some factors play a more important function at different phases of the group than other factors. Not all group members experience the same curative factors in the same manner or to the same grade.

Friday, February 21, 2020

CFCs,Ozone Depletion and the Ozone Hole Assignment

CFCs,Ozone Depletion and the Ozone Hole - Assignment Example These CFCs rise up to the atmosphere, destroying the layer. The chlorine atom of a CFC reacts with an oxygen atom of the ozone molecule, resulting in two molecules of oxygen. The ozone is destroyed. An important long-term effect of the destruction of the ozone layer is a rise in the ultraviolet radiation near the earth. This in turn is a reason behind rising skin cancer, degrading of several substances like plastics, paints and fabrics, and reduced yield of major crops. It was reported by the Environmental Effects Panel in 1991 that the consequences of â€Å"a sustained 10% loss of ozone† would be a 26% rise in the occurrence of non-melanoma skin cancers (Anderson, Sarma and Sinclair, 31). A 1% loss would result in an increase of 100,000 to 150,000 cases of cataract-induced blindness throughout the world. The resulting rise in ultraviolet radiation would be responsible for a rise in the occurrence of melanoma. It was due to such drastic consequences that the Montreal Protocol was set signed by 24 nations on 16th September 1987 (Maunder 38). According to this Protocol there has to be a reduction in the consumption of CFCs by particular amounts, which would greatly reduce the degree of damage

Wednesday, February 5, 2020

Analysis of databases and IT Resources Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Analysis of databases and IT Resources - Essay Example The organizations use the databases to decide the way forward of the organization. The decision making in the organizations should be derived from the analysis of trends in the database – the Big Data. The databases are reliable if they have been designed properly and the captured and stored information contained in them is accurate without redundancy and anomalies. The databases facilitate the analyst to manage the data in whatever the way the analyst wants but keeping in view the constraints of the design of the database. The document presents the details of the above mentioned my viewpoints on why and how much the decision making of the organizations should be dependent on the results obtained from the databases – the Big Data. Every organization deals with information regarding products, people including employees, customers, prospective benefactor(s), who (might) protract organization’s functions and services. Moreover, each and every decision from solving a particular problem for deciding the future of an organization is based on availability, accuracy and quality of information. â€Å"Information is an organizational asset, and, according to its value and scope, must be organized, inventoried, secured, and made readily available in a usable format for daily operations and analysis by individuals, groups, and processes, both today and in the future† (Neilson, 2007). In computing, the organizational information is neither just bits, bytes saved in a server nor limited to client data, the hardware and the software that store it. A data or information to which an (large) organization deals is too huge to control it manually and a process of gathering, normalizing and sharing that information to all its stakeholders. It might be difficult to manage this imperative huge information manually; moreover, the manual maintenance of information might not be reliable and accurate. Therefore, I believe that the organizations should use data bases for decision making be driven by ‘evidence’ derived from analysis of trends in the huge database. This is the reason that databases are formulated and high in demand. A database facilitates to store, handle and utilize implausible diverse organization’s information easily. A database can be defined as â€Å"collection of information that is organized so that it can easily be accessed, managed, and updated† (Rouse, 2006). Keeping in view the above facts, it can be stated that the crucial information needs to be accurate and stored correctly in reliable storages for its enduring usage. The database is one of the best storage mechanisms that are reliable as compared to the manual management of data. But, the quality and accuracy of data are too critical and fundamental for a database developed/maintained by any organization; either the database is developed for achieving a small goal with limited scope or it is a multi-billion dollar information system. It can be said that the value of data is directly proportional to the quality of data. It is one of many reasons that an inadequately designed database may present incorrect information that may be complicated to utilize, or may even stop working accurately. Therefore, the

Tuesday, January 28, 2020

Personal Illness Narratives: Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)

Personal Illness Narratives: Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) Introduction This essay employs excerpts from the narrative of a 38 year old woman named Francesca, a lady who has been given a diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), to illustrate key concepts form the sociological, and psychological literature. This approach will illustrate the writers ability to critically appraise the literature, its relevance to the narrative in question, and using narrative, places these concepts within a real life clinical situation. This in turn provides insight into the value of narrative as a methodological approach in the 21st Century and how it intertwines with the rich tapestry of sociological theories and concepts that are available to the researcher studying the current sociological evidence base. For the purpose of this assignment, peer reviewed articles and textbooks were searched within the past 10 years. The work introduces RA as a clinical entity (pivotal to understanding the comments of Francesca) and goes on to outline the use of narrative, particularly its utility in the study of chronic disease. The essay then goes on to cover some key important issues, namely: The biomedical versus the sociological approach of illness management The Study of Personal Illness Narratives Sociological perspectives on depression Chronic Illness and Disability Social construction of medical knowledge and the Politics of Disability Labelling Stigma. For each of the above, concepts are presented and mapped against selected statements from the narrative of Francesca (written in italics for clarity). These statements illustrate real world data gleaned from Francesca; valuable comments that are grounded in the experiences of a person living with a chronic disease. The work also contains an appendix comprising a reflective postscript which outlines the way that the work evolved from earliest outline, to the finished product. Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory disorder that affects not only the synovial joints but multiple body systems (Goodacre 2008). The exact cause of RA remains unknown; it is a disease that affects more women than men, often of a young or middle age demographic unlike osteoarthritis which affects predominately older people. RA follows a somewhat unpredictable course of exacerbations and remissions. RA carries huge psychological problems in view of its unknown aetiology, uncertain prognosis, and loss of function. Additional symptoms include early morning stiffness, pain, limitation of activities of daily living, and socio- economic problems inasmuch as it may have a severe impact upon a persons ability to work and function in society (Kojima et al 2009). The discussion now begins with a section on models of illness. Biomedical and biopsychosocial models of disease The biomedical model of health takes the reductionist view that people are biological entities (Lewis 2009 p745). In the clinical management of RA there is some merit in this biomedical approach, for example the monitoring of inflammatory mediators in the blood as a marker of disease activity or responses to drug intervention is well established in the literature (Lee Kim 2009). This biomedical approach is reinforced by the GP comments from the narrative, i.e. That there was no cure and that the tablets were the key to preserving normal function. This approach may contribute to Francescas frustration, as it ignores the wider psychological and sociological ramifications of living with a chronic debilitating disease such as RA. It is unclear form the narrative whether the GP tempered his comments by adding that there are means by which the signs and symptoms of RA can be successfully managed. Critical appraisal of the literature reveals that biopsychosocial models advocate a more holistic view of illness, for example according to Smith (2002) the biopsychosocial model seeks to address not only the client and his or her illness but also their capacity to deal with being ill. The value of adopting the narrative approach as part of the biomedical model is effectively illustrated at the point where Francesca states I just burst into tears At the perceived effect that this illness will have upon her loss of function in the future. So whereas the biomedical model will operationalise function using objective outcome measures, here the use of narrative permits a biopsychosocial approach that provides rich client centred data on how it feels to be diagnosed with chronic and currently incurable disease. This in turn can help to inform our understanding of Rheumatoid arthritis as a disease thereby influencing the social construction of medical knowledge by giving voice to service users (Balen et al 2009). The Study of Personal Illness Narratives. Illness narratives concern a persons views and beliefs about their illnesses and the effect on their lives (HydÃÆ'Â ©n 2007). There is increasing acceptance and recognition of the valuable role that such grounded narratives play in understanding the journeys that people with chronic diseases such as RA have to embark upon if they are to manage their illness on a day to day basis. For example Haidet et al (2006) found in a narrative study of people with diabetes that people narrated four illness-management strategies whose story elements were in dynamic interplay, each with unique variations for each individual revealing a level of complexity that had not been previously described. As a method, narrative provides rich data (Furman Cavers 2005; Poindexter 2002) and in this case gives a voice to Francesca that would otherwise remain unheard (Grills 1998).Much can be gleaned from studying Francescas narrative, for example Francesca begins to paint a picture of her hopes and fears upon being given a diagnosis of RA combined with an insight into her past and thoughts about the future. Francescas narrative provides us valuable insight into her views of the self- a key component of narrative (Voilmer 2005), her relationships to others, and how these relationships have changed or may change in the future. In her narrative Francesca gives us some insight into the pain of living with rheumatoid arthritis, in her comments we can detect also a stark dichotomy in that she notes how healthy she had been in the past then uses the term Excruciating to describe her current pain, thus Francescas narrative hints at the loss of self in that she will no longer be a dancer or even a valid spouse as exemplified by the narrative quote. I wont be the woman he fell in love with Here she literally describes herself as becoming another person. Here Francesca is able to provide the reader or researcher with valuable information on the loss of the self, which resonates with other narrative research (Roe Davidson 2005; Doba et al 2007). Francesca goes further and also hints at the change in her illness self concept (ISC) that is to say the extent to which a person is defined or consumed by their disease or disability (Morea et al 2008). Francesca also hints at the concept of disease as a biographical disruption, described by Bury, this is said to occur when a persons planned future cannot unfold as planned. (Bury 1982); will he even want to marry me? Im too young to have this. What makes Francescas narrative particularly interesting is the fact that she is a twin; this may emphasise any change in self since she has in essence an unchanging control (her twin sibling) to against which to compare herself as her disease, her self identity (and possibly disability) progresses. The next section outlines sociological perspectives on depression. Sociological perspectives on depression. Francescas depression is likely to be multifactorial; for example there is evidence that the disease RA itself causes depression (Kojima et al 2009) as will living with pain. From a sociological perspective Francescas strained personal relationships may contribute to depression, for example her fear of being rejected as a potential spouse (Waite Gallagher 2001), see below. will he even want to marry me? This feeds in to the earlier section on biomedical versus biopsychosocial models of health and illness and the different paradigms or world views in which they are situated. A biomedical explanation of depression is likely to focus on the biochemical aspects of the person whilst a more sociological approach would acknowledge the impact of socio economics, personal relationships and so on (Covic et al 2003). Caution is needed however here since the short excerpt of narrative that we have provides no direct evidence that Francesca is in fact depressed, indeed a review of the literature suggests that there is a tendency to over diagnose depression (Parker 2007). Chronic Illness and Disability. A chronic incurable disease such as RA would require Francesca to make significant adjustments to her life over time. The sociological literature now provides increasingly refined conceptualisations of these adjustments, acknowledging that the experience of chronic disease necessitates adaptations in multiple domains of the persons life. This adjustment is often referred to as a trajectory (Stanton et al. 2007). This concept, introduced by the sociologist Strauss in an attempt to capture experiences and behaviours occurring in response to chronic illness (Strauss Corbin 1998), goes beyond depicting the physiologic unfolding of disease and encompasses the total organisation of work done over the course of the illness (Strauss et al 1984). Francescas narrative hints at this changing trajectory tracing the commencement of her life changes to a time six months ago when she was much more active and defined herself as a dancer. Furthermore Francesca looks to her future and wonders about h er ability to fulfil the stereotype of a perfect spouse. It is important to engage with how Francesca and her fiancÃÆ'Â © will make sense of the illness. The term illness cognition has been defined as a patients own implicit common sense beliefs about their illness (Leventhal and Nerernz 1985, p. 517). When people experience symptoms, they embark upon a cognitive search which enables them to interpret and make sense of the symptoms they are experiencing. Typically a critical review of the literature distils out into five categories: Identity, including the description of symptoms experienced and their meaning (e.g. pain, fatigue).In the narrative Francesca describes her pain as Excruciating for example. Belief about causes (e.g. accident, genetics or stress). People like to have a label for their symptoms for legitimisation although, once given, people are likely to interpret diverse symptoms as evidence of the label. Francesca has problems with causality and is likely to do so for the foreseeable future since there is no established medical cause for RA. Timeline (beliefs about duration and time for recovery), namely is it acute or chronic? These beliefs will be re-evaluated as time progresses. Consequences (e.g. loss of lifestyle, goals in life). These representations may only develop into more realistic beliefs over time. Francesca uses the narrative to discuss the change in her life from active dancer to unappealing spouse within the space of six months. Beliefs about controllability. (Furnham, 1989; Landrine and Klonoff 1992, 1994) These categories are pivotal to understanding how people make sense of, and decisions about managing a changeable chronic disease such as RA. Evidence of Francesca attempting to make sense of her symptoms by embarking upon a cognitive search may be seen in the example below: I couldnt understand it Im the healthiest person I know. Ive never had problems with my health never had a day off sick in my life. I never go to the doctor, no matter what, Ive always been fit as a flea. From the narrative provided we also have limited information concerning Francescas partners views, for example (although not from Dave himself) Dave wore me down, telling me Ive got to see a doctor This may be interpreted in various ways, not least that Dave was keen for Francesca to obtain a diagnosis and thereby a label to legitimise the illness, whether such labelling is disabling or enabling is not fully resolved in literature (Huibers Wessley 2006). Francescas comment does however open up the interesting issue of how partners cope with chronic disease, in RA in particular there is evidence that a strong marital relationship correlates with the couples psychological adjustment to the illness (Mann Zautra 1990). These authors go on to claim that in RA, partners are most affected by their perceived vulnerability to disease and coping ability, whereas the wives who have RA were more affected by pain itself and how they will cope with the effects of the disease- reflected in Francescas comments below; I started having excruciating pains in my feet when I woke in the morning To further corroborate the findings of Manne Zautra (1990) concerning male worries about coping at a more abstract level see the example below: Dave has been great but he has his own worries hes just been laid off from his job and hes worrying about paying for the wedding Mann Dieppe (2006) have also more recently acknowledged coping differences between males and females in RA, (n = eight women with RA ages 31-60 years and their partners, and 4 men with RA ages 43-75 years) although methodologically their sampling may be flawed in that those couples currently experiencing severe martial problems are unlikely to submit to the type of phenomenological interviews that they undertook. The social construction of medical knowledge and politics of disability It is not possible in an essay of this length to provide a full account of the politics of disability, primarily since the topic is multi-factorial, fluid and indeed is covered to an extent in the other sub sections of this work, furthermore we have insufficient data from the narrative to comment in depth. Kitchen and Wilton (2003) comment that our views of disability as a medical entity viewed in paternalistic terms have changed in favour or equality and empowerment. However Francesca can expect to experience a host of politically related issues, for example social exclusion and poverty (Foley Chowdhury 2007). Francesca has already stated in her narrative; Ive got to work- we need the money. In terms of medicines social construction, as far back as 1982, Wright Treacher (1982) claimed that medical knowledge inevitably contains a social component incorporating moral values and prejudices, and that diagnosis ascribes a certain meaning. We still see this thirty years later where the GP abruptly (allegedly) advocates of drugs to preserve normal function. This reinforces the paternalistic medical approach. RA in its early stages does not present with any obvious physical deformity and affects the young demographic, it is conceivable that she may experience disbelief from her peers; this may in turn make her life difficult in an era of financial unease, Government budgetary cuts and political uncertainty. Labelling. Labelling theory (social reaction theory) has its roots in the work of sociologist Howard Becker (Becker 1997). It centres on peoples tendency to negatively label those who are different from ourselves. As a person with chronic arthritis Francesca will not be immune to this labelling, for example being labelled as disabled or arthritic are all real possibilities. Arthritis organisations and acts such as the Disability Discrimination Act ( DDA) are at great pains to encourage activity and maintenance of full function and contribution to society, however all this may be negated by her GPs comments that there is; no cure and I had to take tablets everyday to be able to function normally. Labels can however be positive, Francesca describing herself as glamorous for example on two occasions in the narrative, and her previous label of salsa dance teacher is something that defines her in a positive way. Yes, Im a salsa dance teacher Stigma Stigma has recently been defined by Scambler (2009) as a social process, experienced or anticipated by exclusion, rejection, blame or devaluation that results from experience, perception or reasonable anticipation of an adverse social judgement about a person or group(p441) Francesca may feel stigmatised by all of the factors previously discussed, attitude of her GP, loss of self, worry about the future, inability to act out the role of spouse. Factors such as depression, the lack of a cause for her RA and her inability to teach salsa dancing may amplify her feelings of being stigmatised, it is also important form the wider perspective to acknowledge that stigma may affect Francescas partner. Struening et al (2001) for example reported that 43-92% of caregivers (to people with mental health problems) reported feeling stigmatised, again this suggests that living with this disease does not only affect Francesca but also her partner. Conclusion This essay has employed extracts from the narrative of a 38 year old lady with Rheumatoid arthritis, to illustrate some key sociological concepts. The essay has provided a valuable opportunity to map some key concepts from the literature onto a narrative excerpt. Whilst the essay has not been able to enter the field in great depth; It is a testament to the thick description provided by patient narratives that such a wealth of information can be generated form a relatively short piece of description. References Balen,R., Rhodes, C., Ward,L., (2009) The Power of Stories: Using Narrative for Interdisciplinary Learning in Health and Social CareSocial Work Education: The International Journal, pp1470-1227. Becker, H., (1997) Outsiders. New York, NY. Free Press. Covic, T., Adamson,B., Spencer,D., Howe,G., (2003) A biopsychosocial model of pain and depression in rheumatoid arthritis: a 12-month longitudinal study Rheumatology, Vol 42 1287-1294. 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Appendix Reflective postscript This is written in the first person since it is a reflective piece of writing This was a challenging yet fascinating project to complete. I was unsure how to approach the topic and how much weight to attach to the various theories available and the comments of Francesca , once it became clear that I was actually trying to explain what was going on with Francesca by using academic theory to illustrate her comments the task became rather enjoyable. Tight word count restrictions as always meant that I had to do some brutal editing, but the positive side to this is that it makes one more selective in ones writing. For example my earliest version was heavy on sociological theory and light on mapping this theory to the comments of Francesca, whereas the final version makes more explicit links between what Francesca says and the theory behind why she says it. The fact that I had some real comments to sink my academic teeth into made the process of literature searching interesting and relevant since I was able to think about Francescas comments and her personal situation for each search that I undertook. The areas that gave me most difficulty were the political aspects of disability since they seemed so wide ranging and actually intertwined with everything that I was writing about. All in all I have learned a great deal about the usefulness of narrative form this project.