Medical Reimbursement Methodologies Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Medical Reimbursement Methodologies - Essay Example The Blue Cross and Blue Shield Plans were really the blue prints from modern health insurance. That which started as a hospital plan for public school teachers at the Baylor University Hospital, became the model for Blue Cross Plans around the US. Essentially, these were prepaid plans for hospital services under a contractual agreement. Blue Cross dates back to 1933 where with support from American Hospital Association, this started as a nonprofit plan that covered only hospital charges. By 1946, this plan spread across 43 states and starting from 9% in 1940, in 1950, it covered about 57% of the population. In order to avoid conflict with the in-clinic private practice, to start with this was hospital oriented. This was endorsed by AMA, and later a new plan evolved in 1939, which was known as Blue Shield, and this evolved through development of active service plans. This was sign of commitment to private health insurance as the means to spread the financial risk of sickness without f ear of threatening personal interests of the physician. These plans were literally responses to challenge thrown by national health insurance. In due course of time, they started working together to provide both hospital and physician coverage. Now, these plans jointly provide a comprehensive care through either joint corporations or close working relationships. Since these plans were not for profit to begin with, the commercial insurance providers were skeptical to start with, but later, with the success of these plans, they also started providing health insurance. 3. Explain why the lack of universal health care coverage can raise health care costs. If there is a lack in universal healthcare coverage, there is cost involved in healthcare. Those who are uninsured and uncovered, they will have to pay from their pocket. Therefore, they try to tolerate symptoms and ignore

Risperidone and the Treatment of Schizophrenia Essay

Risperidone and the Treatment of Schizophrenia - Essay Example Therefore, this literature review proposes addressing the following: Background: Use and Mechanisms: Risperidone is the most widely recommended, second-generation antipsychotic medication for schizophrenia. It blocks excess of dopamine type 2 and serotonin 5-HT2 receptors, and lack of H1 histanminergic, and alpha 2 adrenergic receptors on nerves which cause schizophrenia, by binding to the receptors (Curran & Keating, 2006; Love & Conley, 2004; Pajonk, 2004; Robson & Gray, 2007). Therefore, risperidone has effective clinical outcomes in the treatment of schizophrenia. It is more effective in reducing positive symptoms and more directly effective in decreasing the negative symptoms than the typical antipsychotics (Parjonk, 2003). Also, in a study by Marder (cited in Parjonk, 2003), it was shown that the rate of relapse and rehospitalisation of patients receiving long-term risperidone therapy is much lower than those treated with typical, and other atypical antipsychotics. In addition, it has more significantly beneficial effects on the reduction of af fective symptoms, cognitive symptoms, and the improvement of patients' quality of life compared with typical antipsychotics. ... Therefore, patients with schizoaffective disorders can be improved rapidly by the use of risperidone. Compared with typical antipsychotics, risperidone has a lower risk of adverse effects. In the investigation by Csernansky, Mahmoud, & Brenner (cited in Parjonk, 2003), it was proved that incidents of extrapyramidal side effects (EPSs) of risperidone are more reduced than those experienced with haloperidol. In particular, there is no relationship between cardiac arrest and use of risperidone; therefore, it is safer and more tolerable, reducing the cardiac risk factors. Side Effects of the Use of Risperidone, Expressed in the Literature: In spite of the numerous beneficial effects on risperidone for patients with schizophrenia, adverse effects continue to be a considerable issue relevant to its use. The most recurrent side effects are dizziness, somnolence, insomnia, agitation, and psychosis (Curran & Keating, 2006; Love & Conley, 2004). Also, weight gain is an important side effect, which can lead to diabetes. One of the most highlighted potential adverse effects of higher dose risperidone is EPSs, such as acute dystonia, akathisia, Parkinsonism and TD. In particular; TD can contribute to dysfunction and disturbance of a patient's quality of life, such as social isolation (Courey, 2007). TD is evidenced by abnormal uncontrolled movements of face, mouth, lips, trunk and limbs, such as facial tics, tongue thrusts and rocking trunk, caused by long-term antipsychotics use. Studies have shown that prolonged use of antipsychotic medications such as rispe ridone may induce TD. It was believed that the relationship between risperidone and TD is due to the abnormal production or excessive growth of dopamine receptors, and highly active atoms which then damage

Effects on Individual Preparation for Work

Effects on Individual Preparation for Work Individual Assignment- Three Future Trends Lim Mei Nuan This assignment will talk about the three future trends that will have positive effect for an individual preparation for work and how one of it has the most impact for an individual to prepare for work. Three future trends that I will discuss are the â€Å"use of new technologies for training delivery†, â€Å"increased emphasis on capturing and sharing intellectual capital† and â€Å"increased use of true performance support and social learning†. Nowadays, the growing and use of new technologies is continuously changing and this can show that the use of new technologies in learning will be taking place. Increased uses of new technologies will definitely help students to gain knowledge and better prepare for the workforce. However, not every individual will accept the increased use of new technologies into the learning environment. Therefore, effective learning will attract an individual to increase use of new technologies (Winn, 2002). This is because effective learning can be occurred through informal learning (Roy, 2010). Informal learning means the learner controls the learning process that includes when to start an action and this process will not involve an instructor or a trainer and totally control by the learner (Noe, 2013). Informal learning is the critical aspect for increased use of new technologies; this is because it involves the student interactions with the peers and lecturer, sharing experience and knowledge o f study (Winn, 2002). This informal learning can happen through different methods, such as e-mail and social networking websites (Noe, 2013). Furthermore, this will become more usual as combined social networking tools and Web tools to create this easier to implement (Roy, 2010). Thus, this can increase use of new technology and also can increase emphasis on capturing and sharing intellectual capital. Nevertheless, informal learning can help students to increase the chance for learning and sharing knowledge (Allen Lewis, 2006). Students will know how to social interaction with others by using the social networking that allows the students to enhance the collaboration with peers and lecturer, increased informal learning and discussion. Social interaction can help the student to use time productive because students can learns knowledge with and others through the social networking platforms (Brotherton, 2011). This also can be explained that social learning can help students to share their knowledge, experiences and information through social networking tools (Noe, 2013). This assists students to gain more knowledge compare to previously they must attend class only can obtain information. Students are not required to spend time to travel to school or college and they can directly get knowledge through social networking platforms and Web tools. Furthermore, all learning process will become very easy and convenient because the student can use social networking tools such as iPhone, iPad and notebooks to gain knowledge. Therefore, increased use of true performance support and social learning can bring a huge impact for students to gain more knowledge and experience. Increased the use of new technologies such as the Internet can promote the collaborative activities in college and this can increase the students to engage in the activities and encourage to talk in class and knowing more information about the subject (Goldman et al., 1996). This can be said that when increase the use of new technologies, will increase emphasis on capturing and sharing intellectual capital and thus will increase use of true performance support and social learning. All these new sets of future trends should include in the learning environment to help students to prepare for the future. The most important future trend is increased use of new technologies for training delivery. The use of new technologies is not only preparing students to step into the workplace it also enhances students to learn new information and to think critically when using new technologies (Kidwell, Linde Johnson, 2000). Increased use of new technologies can increase the student’s critical thinking skills and this can produce high productivity for the task (Wang, 2012). An organization is looking for an individual who can solve problems critically, can communicate well with others about ideas and information and those can collaborate with colleagues (Beers, 2012). Higher education institutions are using the technologies to enhance the student’s social learning, performance and intellectual aspects (Kidwell, Linde Johnson, 2000). For instance, many universities are using e-learning to deliver the educational material through electronic media such as internet, video/audio tape an d CDs. By using the new technologies for training delivery, the content is easy to understand, easy to access and easy to update the information (Beers, 2012). It also can help the student to perform the task in an efficient and effective ways (Chizmar Walbert, 1999). Through the e-learning, it can give the student the flexibility in where and when they want for accessing the educational material (Song, Singleton, Hill, Koh, 2004). Research had shows that students who are used to the new technologies to create an electronic school yearbook were having a high level of confidence and more active in the task commitment (Liu, 1998). This result indicates that used of new technologies can have a positive effect on the students. Utilizing technology can enhance the students to share their knowledge with others and increase the development for the workplace (Kidwell, Linde Johnson, 2000). For example, this can increase the productivity and the quality of work, enhance the collaboration with colleagues and increased the motivation of the students and all of these can help the students to prepare in the workplace (Chandra, Theng, Lwin, Foo, 2009). In 21st century, many students cannot apply what they have learned from the college into the real world problem (Daggett, 2010). This problem can overcome through the uses of technologies. This is because technologies tools can provide students to apply the theories in the different settings. According to Scheffler and Logan (1999) stated that integrating technology can help students to analyze, evaluate and applying the theories and the knowledge into a real life situation. It means that it uses technology tools to sustenance the learning objective and enhance the student problem solving skills and critical thinking skills. In this digital age, teachers and educators play an important role to help students to be well prepared to enter the workforce. This is because teachers can use of new technologies as supporting tools to help them to enrich their teaching method and increase the student learning (Koc, 2005). Teachers should help students to utilize the technologies tools in a proper way (Koc, 2005). Technology should be used effectively and consistently in the learning environment and teaching materials can be delivered through technology tools to help the students to improve their study (Schwarz, 2000). For example, teacher can play a short video clip for helping the students to understand the concepts and theory through the visuals. It also can aid the teachers to benefit the student to build networks with other countries (Davidson, 2000). Sinclair (2009) reported that the effectiveness of technology in the classroom is depends on the teacher competency levels and how the teacher uses the technolog y. Furthermore, teachers should create awareness for the students to know about why technology is being used and explained to the students that how this new technology can help them in their learning process (Sinclair, 2009). Research shows that there is a positive effect for students learning in mathematics and science through technology tools (Roschelle et al., 2000). This shows that teachers and educators should always use technology tools in teaching and learning to help students to make use of these tools. Therefore, teachers should practice using the new technologies in the teaching process. In addition, the collaboration between universities and industry is important for the lecturer and trainers to upgrade and widening their knowledge as well as the capability to use the new technologies (Kidwell, Linde Johnson, 2000). This can build the foundation for the lecturer and trainers to use the new technologies and also for students (Matthew, 2014). This foundation can also increase the awareness of and the experience to use the new technologies effectively (Matthew, 2014). Moreover, it can help lecturer and trainers to build confidence and knowledge when using the new technologies (Matthew, 2014). Therefore, it provides direct information and the current knowledge for the lecturer and also for the students. Moreover, students should ne advances using tacit knowledge in order to use the new technologies in an effective way. This is because tacit knowledge includes personal experience and ideas and relationship with other people, it is very difficult to explain it out or write it down (Kidwell, Linde Johnson, 2000). Tacit knowledge is important in various high-tech productions such as electronics, telecommunication and aircraft production all are based on tacit knowledge (Rosenberg, 1982; Vincenti, 1984). Therefore, advances using tacit knowledge can improve an individual to prepare for work in the future. Technology not only can use an educational tool for teachers and students it also can be implemented into the curriculum. This can serve to enrich the understanding and increase the academic performance of the students (Klein, 2010). Past research had shows that implemented the digital technology into the curriculum can help students to participate and increase their motivation to involve in the activities, and increase the student decision making skills (Abbott Shaikh, 2005). This result shows that it helps students to engage in the activities and motivated the students to involve in the whole process. Therefore, implemented the technology into the curriculum can prepare the students before enter into the workplace. In conclusion, problem solving skills, critical thinking skills and can work collaborative with other people are very important to help students to be well prepared to enter the workforce. Teachers and educators can guide students and provides students to use the new technologies in an effective and successful way. Reference Abbott, C., Shaikh, A. (2005). Visual representation in the Digital Age: Issues arising from a case study of digital media use and representation by pupils in multicultural school settings. Language Education: An International Journal, 19(6), 455-466. Allen, B., Lewis, D. (2006). Virtual learning communities as a vehicle for workforce development: A case study. Journal of Workplace Learning, 18(6), 367-383. doi: 10.1108/13665620610682099 Beers, S. Z. (2012). 21st century skills: preparing students for their future. In STEM Education Coalition, 1-6. Retrieved from http://www.yinghuaacademy.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/21st_century_skills.pdf Brotherton, P. (2011). Social Networks Enhance Employee Learning. T+D, 65(4), 18-19. Chandra, S., Theng, Y., O. Lwin, M., Foo, S. (2009). Examining the role of cognitive absorption for information sharing in virtual worlds. Conference Papers — International Communication Association, 1-33. Chizmar, J. F., Walbert, M. S. (1999). Web-based learning environments guided by principles of good teaching practice. Journal of Economic Education, 248-264. Daggett, W. R. (2010). Preparing students for their technological future. International Center for Leadership in Education. Retrieved from http://www. leadered. com/pdf/Preparing Students for Tech Future white paper. pdf. Davidson, S. (2000). Teaching with the world wide web. Phi Delta Kappan, 37, 13-16. Goldman, S.R., Petrosino, A.J., Sherwood, R.D., Garrison, S., Hickey, D., Bransford, J. D., Pellegrino. (1996). Anchoring science in multimedia learning environments. In S. Vosniadou, E. De Corte, R. Glaser, and H. Mandl (Eds.). International perspectives on the psychological foundations of technology based learning environments. Hillsdale, NJ: Lawrence Erlbaum Associates. Kidwell, J. J., Linde, K. M. V., Johnson, S. L. (2000). Applying corporate knowledge management practices in higher education. Educause Quarterly, 4, 28-33. Klein, J. D. (2010). When you cant bring your classroom to the world, bring the world into your classroom. Youth Media Reporter, 486-88. Koc, M. (2005). Implications of learning theories for effective technology integration and pre-service teacher training: a critical literature review. Journal of Turkish Science Education, 2(1), 2-18. Liu, M. (1998). A study of engaging high-school students as multimedia designers in a cognitive apprenticeship-style learning environment. Computers in Human Behavior, 14, 387–415. Matthew, H. (2014, July 2). Further Education Workforce Strategy: The Government’s strategy to support workforce excellence in further education. Department for Business, Innovation Skills, 1-29. Retrieved from https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/further-education-workforce-strategy Noe, R. A. (2013). Employee Training and Development (6th ed.). New York: McGraw-Hull. Rosenberg, N. (1982). Inside the black box: Technology and economics. Cambridge, UK: Cambridge University Press. Roschelle, J. M., Pea, R. D., Hoadley, C. M., Gordin, D. N., Means, B. M. (2000). Changing how and what children learn in school with computer-based technologies. Children and Computer Technology, 10(2), 76-101. Retrieved from http://www.futureofchildren.org Roy, J. N. (2010). Transforming informal learning into competitive advantage. T + D, 64(10), 23-25. Scheffler, F., Logan, J. (1999). Computer technology in schools: what teachers should know and be able to do. Journal of Research on Computing in Education, 31, 305- 325. Schwarz, G. (2000). Renewing teaching through media literacy. Phi Delta Kappan, 37, 8- 12. Sinclair, G. B. (2009). Is Larry Cuban right about the impact of computer technology on student learning? Nawa: Journal of Language Communication, 3(1), 46-54. Song, L., Singleton, E., Hill, J., Koh, M. (2004). Improving online learning: Student perceptions of useful and challenging characteristics. The internet and higher education, 7(1), 5970. doi: 10.1016/j.iheduc.2003.11.003. Vincenti, W.G. (1984). Technological knowledge without science: The innovation of flush riveting in American airplanes, ca. 1930-ca. 1950. Technology and Culture, 25(3), 540-576. Wang, V. (2012). Encyclopedia of E-Leadership ,Counseling and Training. Hershey, PA: IGI Global. Winn, W. (2002). Current trends in educational technology research: the study of learning environment. Educational Psychology Review, 14(3), 331-351.

Fame made me lonely :: Creative Writing Essays

Fame made me lonely "Julie, there's a new number one!" shouted Kayleigh to her sister. "Who is it?" questioned Julie. "It's Chris Riley and it's called First Time" rushed Kayleigh, eager to hear the song. Chris Riley was in his luxury palace, watching the top ten chart on his 78 inch plasma screen television. His agent, Mark Priestman, informed him that his single went straight to number one in just two days. Chris was pleased. He didn't look thrilled or excited. I didn't understand why he wasn't chuffed. Chris Riley lived in a luxurious mansion in a desolate place in the depths of Yorkshire. His mansion had four floors each containing at least seven rooms. The long, lavish corridors were beautifully decorated with a light blue carpet and portraits of him posing. There was an indoor extensive swimming pool that had gold railings. On the fourth floor there was a small private cinema that had twenty comfortable seats with large beverage holders. The cinema had several small spotlights and the stairs were luminous green. The mansion had everything a person could ever want, including a huge disco, which must have been used for parties. There was a large stage with a bar next to it but there was no one inside it. I had looked around most of the house and it was all empty. I eventually figured out which room was Chris's bedroom. It was very spacious with little inside it. Chris had a double sized bed with basic furniture. To the left of the room was a large photograph that showed Chris with a women and a young girl, about four or five years old. They all looked very happy and free from the popularity he had back in England. It looked to me as if they were on holiday because they were on a seaside when the sun was setting to give a magnificent effect on the photo. I looked round the corner and spotted Chris walking towards his room. He silently sat down on the bed and stared at the photograph. He looked deeply into the woman's eyes and wondered, "Why did you leave me? Why?" He questioned with rage. "You separated me from my own daughter!" His eyes had turned red and tears were escaping from his eyes and landed onto his black silk shirt. Suddenly, it had all made sense to me why his mansion was so empty of life and happiness. He laid down gripping his hair with devastation of his separation from the ones he loved. When they had left she had taken half of his money with her.

Environmental issues and economics

Economic growth, unemployment and a better standard of living have always been the main objectives on the agenda of economists throughout the world. The environment is and has always been the major attribution to achieving these goals as it is the source of natural resources, many amenities and as a place to dump whatever waste, whenever necessary. Up to the 1960s there had never been the awareness of problems affecting the environment's role. The population started to grow rapidly since the industrial revolution, first in the west and then in the 20th century developing countries followed. Today the world population is over 6 billion and in relation to the rate of economic growth there has been a mass of extra pressure put on the environment. Also read this  Cheating in a Bottom Line Economy There is a great list of issues, disasters and environmental problems that have been discovered during the last forty years that are on the constant agenda of the majority of economist's decisions and that are in desperate need of a solution. Some economists choose to dismiss the issue altogether, for example the USA who make up only 5% of the population, yet contribute to using 25% of the world's energy and produce 22% of the world's CO2. For them to dismiss the allegations of their contribution to damaging the environment is a very serious issue as they refuse to cease the growth of their economy i.e. their car market. Their only attempts at solving this problem are unrealistic and would do little towards helping the environment. The main issues are the problems caused to the environment by global warming, nuclear disasters, water pollution, intensive farming, the loss of non-renewable sources and of course the cause of it all, rising population. When the environment becomes damaged it is due to a failure of the market (Demand and Supply). That is, as the environmental damage has not been taken into account when applying the concepts of economic growth. This can generally be accounted for by the lack of property rights, as there is nobody who can take the side of the environment and hold to account those who damage the sea, air, rainforest etc, so there is very little done about it. In almost every circumstance it is cheaper for businesses/ firms to pollute the environment than to attempt to clean up the damage they have caused. A good way of analysing the effects of production on the environment is to draw it on a diagram of the production possibility curve/ frontier to comprehend a range at which there can be production and environmental protection. At point Y – Maximum production and worst environmental conditions. At point Z – Environment is perfect but there is no production at all. At range X – There is production and environmental protection. There are five main aims of government policy which all contribute to affecting the environment in their own way. One of the main objectives of government is to reach full employment, which is economically, a very good position to be in for an economy. Full employment can and often does however lead to more factories, offices, shops, purchased cars, manufactured goods and therefore the possible loss of countryside which all lead to pollution, congestion etc. The same kind of damage is also caused by economic growth. A policy set by the government (especially monetarists) is to fight inflation that ordinarily results in unemployment, which is seen clearly from the Phillips Curve. Targeting and achieving low inflation will cut aggregate demand and so the environment actually suffers less damage. Improving the balance of payments deficit also contributes to less damage on the environment, as there is again a cut in aggregate demand. The final aim of government policy is to redistribute income accordingly to a specific school of thought e.g. 1945-1979 The rich were taxed heavily (income tax) to pay welfare state (help the poor) which inevitably boosted aggregate demand, harming the environment. Since about 1970 the concept of sustainable development has been more widely discussed. Sustainable development is about economic growth being the cause of damage to the environment. An economist named R.K. Turner once quoted that sustainable development is â€Å"to leave future generations an amount of wealth, which is at least equal to that inherited by the current generation†. Agenda 21 set up in 1992 was an attempt to solve this world problem for the generations. It was a conference in Rio where all the countries governments agreed to an outline plan to protect the environment, especially global warming. To follow this attempt, a further conference was set up in 1997 in Kyoto. In this conference legally binding targets were introduced to reduce CO2 emissions with the exception of developing countries that were allowed to increase CO2 emissions up to a limit as they industrialise. In order to apply these individual targets set for the environment within a country would have to produce an evaluation to establish whether the benefits are greater than the costs to the environment before starting a project. This is done through Cost-Benefit analysis, which is a way in which economists assess the private internal costs and benefits (relates to the firm/ businesses) and the social external costs and benefits (relates to society). The problems that arise with this method of assessment though is that it is very subjective and open to wide interpretation, as you cannot value pollution e.g. an eye sore or the gains of a quicker journey to work. Solutions to pollution and other social costs can be approached in two ways, through the private sector and the government sector. I order to control pollution and social costs in the private sector without the interference of the government, several approaches would need to be made. Property rights would need to be extended, the polluters and the pollutee would need to bargain (Coarse Bargaining) about pollution, there might need to be a merging between the polluter and the pollutee so that it would be in the polutee's best interest to clean up their act as the social costs would affect their profit levels. There might also have to be some altruism, which they can use as a marketing strategy. The price mechanism is also a strong solution to solving the problem of losing non-renewable goods e.g. oil. When demand exceeds supply then the prices rise and products like oil are instantly rationed which leaves an incentive to find alternatives. Alternatively for some products such as glass, paper, cans etc, it may become more economic to recycle as the prices for these scarce resources rise. However, i.e. with bottles, the factories used for recycling pollute the atmosphere as do the lorries collecting the bottles from the bottle bank as do the cars used by the public to take the bottles to the bank. Should the public sector fail to take these factors into account (market failure), there is a case for government intervention in order to apply a solution to pollution and other social costs. The government often sets standards as either an outright ban e.g. CFC's or as a partial ban e.g. leaded petrol. Other standards are also introduced that are often more difficult to enforce as they are not as effective as taxes and the government may face possible costs e.g. MOT tests. Taxes are deemed as effective and are therefore often imposed in an attempt to internalise external costs. These are effective, as the buyer has to pay the equivalent price for the damage to the environment; this is an effective disincentive to buy e.g. VAT and excise duty on petrol. The effect caused by added taxes is in this supply and demand diagram OP (price) & OQ (quantity) do not take damage to the environment into account As the taxes are introduced supply shifts to S2 due to the high price change at OP2. Subsequently this makes us aware of the damage caused to the environment and demand contracts to OQ2. The problems that arise however with indirect taxation are that the poor are consequently more affected than the rich are. One strategy that is now in the progress of being experimented within the USA that requires a combination of both the private and government sector. This involves the issuing of â€Å"permits to pollute†. This allows firms/ businesses to compete amongst themselves after the government has set up a structure by which permits are sold for the right to pollute. Over several years the permits are then cut and it is left to the private sector companies to compete with each other or to put investment into efficient power generators that are more environmentally friendly that require less or no need for permits. It is clear that there are many arising environmental issues becoming apparent to the economist throughout the stages of meeting government policies. Despite that there has been noticeable actions taken out since these problems have been discovered, there is still a long way to go.

Erythropoietin and Athletes

Erythropoietin and Athletes Steven D. Jackson Student, American Military University Abstract Erythropoietin (EPO) use as a performance enhancing agent in sport carries both significant and detrimental risks to go along with its suggested benefits. As such, it was banned by the International Olympic Committee in 1990. Shortly thereafter, successful and reliable testing methods have been developed to test athletes for its potential use.Despite widespread knowledge of its potential adverse effects and the testing for its attempted use, EPO use remains substantial amongst endurance athletes of nearly all ages and disciplines, both professional and amateur. This paper will provide a history of EPO as a performance enhancing substance, explain its associated risks and perceived and actual benefits, attempt to analyze why athletes feel compelled to use it, and examine the sanctions, regulations, and weighty repercussions associated with its use. Erythropoietin and AthletesIn sport, there ar e a virtually limitless number of ways in which one can influence or positively impact physical or mental performance. These methods can come in the form of mechanical aids, pharmacological aids, physiological aids, nutritional aids, and psychological aids. Regardless of its source, any means by which one seeks to improve performance by enhancing the physiological capacity of a particular system of the body, removing psychological constraints which adversely affect performance, or by accelerating recovery from training or competition is called an ergogenic aid (MacKenzie, 2001).These may include something as simple and innocuous as a healthy meal consumed the night prior to a competition, but seemingly, the ergogenic aids which athletes are turning to more increasingly are those that have been banned by organizations such as the World Anti-Doping Agency, the International Olympic Committee, and the like. Often, these substances have been banned because they not only represent perver se and unethical behavior, but also, as is the case for a substance like recombinant erythropoietin, because they can have serious adverse health effects for heir users. Over time, these substances have changed, but the desire to gain an unfair competitive advantage remains. Hematopoiesis is the process which involves the production of mature cells in the blood and in lymphoid organs. Mature erythrocytes, or red blood cells, have no nucleus, so they cannot reproduce in the traditional fashion as other cells can. Erythropoiesis, then, is the process by which erythrocytes are produced. Erythropoietin is a naturally occurring hormone found within the human body which controls this red blood cell production.It is released by the kidneys, and to a lesser extent the liver, and in very little quantities in the brain in response to a negative feedback. The physiological stimulus of erythropoietin production is hypoxia, or prolonged oxygen deficiency in body tissue, and in the majority of in stances is related to the number of circulating erythrocytes within the kidneys. At high altitudes, for example, where the pressure oxygen in the air is reduced, oxygen delivery to the body’s tissues initially decreases.This drop in oxygen triggers the release of erythropoietin, which travels via the blood to the red bone marrow and stimulates red blood cell production (Shier, Butler, & Lewis, 2011). This is important to note, as this negative feedback of loss in oxygen is essentially no different than the body observing a loss in blood, which also necessitates the release of erythropoietin. In cases of hemolysis or hemorrhage, erythrocyte production will also increase rapidly and substantially for the body to attempt to accommodate for the amount of blood lost.However, overproduction of erythrocytes does not occur, both in extreme hypoxic environments and even after the most severe loss of erythrocytes (Robinson, et al. , 2006). This balance is very important, because adequa te oxygen delivery to tissues depends on having a sufficient number of red blood cells to transport oxygen. Decreases in their number or function can hinder oxygen delivery and thus affect exercise performance. Red blood cells serve a primary function of facilitating this transport of oxygen, which is bound to the hemoglobin found in red blood cells.Hemoglobin contains iron, which binds oxygen. As such, the oxygen-carrying capacity of blood is determined by its hemoglobin content. Accordingly, when hemoglobin levels fall, exercise performance is subsequently impaired. Being familiar with this, athletes, trainers, and coaches often practice iron supplementation in an effort to prevent anemia and attempt to boost hemoglobin levels. However, this supplementation cannot boost the blood’s oxygen carrying capacity beyond that which is normal.Consequently, doctors, trainers, and athletes have come up with various alternative means to try to boost blood’s oxygen-carrying capac ity, and in turn boost performance (Mottram, 2011). In traditional medical settings, the need for a means to raise red blood cell counts in patients suffering from kidney failure in order to alleviate their extreme anemia, as they have so few red blood cells that they typically experience near-permanent exhaustion. The demand for a way to treat these kidney patients precipitated the development of synthesized erythropoietin.There was no question that they needed red blood cells, and the proposition of providing them via erythropoietin seemed logically safer than the more natural and traditional repeated transfusions and dialysis. The same logic applied to the much larger number of people whose kidneys were weak or damaged, but not yet failing. Raising their red blood cell count, and subsequently their hemoglobin levels, up to a normal amount like the more attractive option, and it was only a matter of time before it could be discovered (Burch, 2011).In 1985, the gene responsible for the synthesis of erythropoietin was successfully cloned for the first time. This synthesized erythropoietin is known as recombinant erythropoietin, and first became available in Europe in 1987 and was later patented by Amgen in 1989 (Mottram). With this development, it quickly became evident that recombinant erythropoietin would be used illegally as a performance enhancer in endurance sports. As such, the International Olympic Committee elected to ban this drug in 1990, even though all forms of blood doping had been officially banned since 1984 (Robinson, et al. ).In its earliest clinical trials, recombinant erythropoietin proved very successful, and it was quickly put to use with patients requiring their hemoglobin be raised to normal levels. The trials showed the drug’s benefits outweighed its risks, but not by much. In 2005, researchers and kidney specialists concluded their trials ahead of schedule when they were stunned by what they found. After years of raising red blo od cell counts in patients to normal healthy levels, which also raised their hematocrit—the proportion of red blood cells to total blood volume—doctors were not seeing decreased occurrences of troke, heart complications, and even death. These rates were actually increasing. Therein laid the problem with EPO use, especially in uncontrolled environments and when used by athletes (Burch). Before EPO’s adverse effects were widely known, and to a great extent even today, its proposed benefits led to its immediate abuse by endurance athletes. The first cases were reported in several newspapers within the four years after recombinant EPO appeared in Europe. These articles claimed a link between rumored EPO abuse and the deaths of 18 Belgian and Dutch cyclists.This unfortunate wave seemed to roll on for some time, seemingly striking hardest amongst in the sport of cycling, and often resulting in death. For some time, cyclists publicly denied using EPO, but at the 1998 T our de France, a masseuse for the Festina team was caught with EPO and several other banned drugs. The entire team and its staff were ejected from the Tour, and eventually seven of the nine Festina riders admitted to doping. Even the winner that year, Marco Pantani, was ejected the following year for signs of EPO use in an earlier drug test (Eichner, 2007).Though the bulk of EPO use reported in the media comes from cycling, other sports are not free from it. Chinese runners, swimmers, and rowers, Russia’s top female cross-country skiers, Finland’s tops skiers, and Germany’s top runners all have been caught for suspected EPO use of some kind or another. Russian and American runners and sprinters, including American sprinter Kelli White, have been stripped of medals and handed bans for their admitted EPO use after failing drug tests.Even Lance Armstrong—who has always denied any EPO use—has been suspected of illegal EPO use brought about by claims of his former teammates (Eichner). Perhaps the greatest contributing factor for the prevalence of continued illegal EPO use is in its difficulty of detection. While some athletes may think that they are using a drug for which there is no means of detection, which is not the case, others may simply know that EPO can be a very elusive drug to detect.Early detection strategies for EPO use as a drug were limited to blood testing only. Though blood tests could confirm inconsistent hematocrit levels and other blood markers compared to base samples in athletes who may have been using EPO supplementation up to, and sometimes over, a week prior, or those that had been using EPO when they originally provided a base sample and had discontinued its use, a direct method for detection in urine had yet to be established.Furthermore, early attempts at developing a urine test proved to be expensive, overly sensitive, and unreliable. Since blood doping had been common practice in some endurance sports for decades due to its clear performance advantages, it regrettably became even more attractive once recombinant EPO became available. Athletes have exploited these limitations of testing, particularly in sports that relied solely on urine specimen testing (Robinson, et al. . Successful urine testing had finally been developed and came into the picture in 2000. Serving as the only direct method of recombinant erythropoietin detection approved by the Court of Arbitration for sport, this method utilized electrophoretic techniques to separate the isoform profiles of recombinant and endogenous erythropoietin found in urine according to their isoelectric points (Diamanti-Kandarakis, et al. , 2005).Not only could this newly approved testing mathematically and scientifically identify EPO use—or discontinuation of its use—but it could also isolate the various forms of forms of EPO, including erythropoietin alpha, beta, omega, and delta, as well as newer generations of EPO anal ogues like darbepoetin and mimetic peptides. The disadvantage of such an effective urine testing method, however, was that it discouraged athletes from recombinant EPO use. Athletes now fearful of getting caught moved back to using—or rather misusing—blood doping and transfusions in an attempt to raise hematocrit and hemoglobin levels.For that reason, some international sports federations elected to limit their testing to either blood or urine. However, more recently the trend has been to attempt to keep their current testing procedures randomized (Robinson, et al. ). The risks of illegal EPO use remain high. Some athletes choose to supplement with EPO in smaller doses with the intent of limiting their potential exposure in drug tests, and, just as likely, with the expectation that this practice would be â€Å"safer. Regardless, the results of EPO use are largely unpredictable, and tests have revealed that hematocrit values in EPO users can greatly exceed what is cons idered the healthy or normal upper limit of 50 percent. Once the hormone has been put in the body, the athlete is at great risk for substantial increases in blood viscosity. This places the individual in danger of thrombosis, myocardial infarction, congestive heart failure, hypertension, stroke, and pulmonary embolism. However, with the ever-increasing pressures to excel in competition, and the draw of larger rizes, purses, sponsorships, and notoriety in sport today it is not beyond reason as to why teams, athletes, trainers, and coaches would feel compelled to explore an option which may offer athletes a clinically documented six to eight percent increase in their VO2max and 13 to 17 percent increased time to exhaustion (Kenney, Wilmore, & Costill, 2012). Athletes who use banned EPO also risk disqualification from a particular competition, with the risk apparently greater if the athlete’s result is good, as the top-placing finishers in competitions almost certainly are subje ct to testing more and more frequently.They can also be banned from their sport, typically for a minimum of a year, but potentially for life. In their quest for enhanced performance, athletes can easily get caught up in the hype surrounding these sorts of substances and the purported benefits they might bestow. Unfortunately, too many athletes are blinded by ambition and do not consider the consequences of their actions until their careers have become jeopardized or their health has been seriously affected.Considering recent reports of even amateur athletes being dealt bans and imposed fines after testing positive for EPO use in events that are considered recreational, the need is definitely present for the likes of the World Anti-Doping Agency and the International Olympic Committee to take more aggressive and decisive action in the battle against doping and illegal drug use. The misuse of medical and biotechnological advancements to enhance athletic performance is an issue that wi ll clearly not go away on its own.It is imperative for sports federations to be able to collect blood samples from their competitors and institute a continuity system which keeps track of appropriate individual values. The appropriate way to fight blood doping and EPO use is to markers for each individual athlete to have a record of each marker and measure of their blood. In this way it will not be necessary to take into account complicating factors during testing and analysis such as sex, ethnic origin, and the kind of sport in which the athlete is participating.With a system such as this, it would be possible to identify which athletes are manipulating their bodies based on their own set reference values and markers over time. This, combined random, unannounced testing is the only way currently possible to effectively mitigate doping. Even still, it is supremely difficult for sports organizations and control agencies in sport to stay ahead of the always sophisticated doping method s. Summary Erythropoietin and all of its forms were developed with the intent of rehabilitating and alleviating the extreme symptoms of kidney patients.Their appeal is strong to competitive athletes, especially with more and more on the line each year. Despite their undeniable ability to enhance performance, EPO can cause serious negative health effects. In an era where performance-enhancing drug abuse is rampant across nearly all disciplines of sports despite rigorous legislation and testing throughout the world, it is necessary to understand the harmful effects of all substances when considering their use.The undesirable effects of EPO use are virtually countless, but—and perhaps worse yet—the potential long-term effects of chronic use are not well known. References Burch, D. (2011). Blood sports. Natural History 119(6), 14-16. Diamanti-Kandarakis, E. , Konstantinopoulos, P. , Papiliou, J. , Kandarakis, S. , Andreopoulos, A. , Sykiotis, G. (2005). Erythropoietin abus e and erythropoietin gene doping. Sports Medicine, 35(10), 831-840. Eichner, E. (2007). Blood doping. Sports Medicine, 37(4/5), 389-391. Kenney, L. W. , Wilmore, J. H. , & Costill, D. L. (2012).Physiology of sport and exercise (5th ed. ). Champaign, IL: Human Kinetics Mackenzie, B (2001). Ergogenic aids. Retrieved from http://www. brianmac. co. uk/ergoaids. htm Mottram, D. R. (2011) Drugs in sport (5th ed. ). New York: Routledge. Robinson, N. N. , Giraud, S. S. , Saudan, C. C, Baume, N. N. , Avois, L. L, Mangin, P. P. , & Saugy, M. M. (2006). Erythropoietin and blood doping. British Journal of Sports Medicine, 40, i30- i34. Shier, D. , Butler, J. , & Lewis, R. (2012). Hole’s essentials of human anatomy & physiology (11th ed. ). New York, NY: McGraw-Hill

The Salt Trade essays

The Salt Trade essays The word 'Hall', often found in contemporary Austrian place-names or geographical features, is derived from the ancient word for salt. (Zronik 14) Beginning in the 7th century BC, one of the main regions of Celtic occupation was in modern-day Austria, centred around Hallstatt, a large prehistoric salt-mining area. The Hallstatt period, 750 - 450 B.C., is named after this region. Hallstatt is the location where most of the extensive and comprehensive finds pertaining to the early Iron Age were discovered. (Schutz 191) Salt was a highly desirable commodity at the time, and the Hallstatt culture took advantage of the salts high value by establishing a salt trade. There are two main components in any trading system; exports and imports. The Hallstatt culture exported salt, and imported such items as pottery, jewelley, weapons, and gold. The salt trade resulted in increased wealth for the Hallstatt culture while the imported goods carried along cultural influences. The various influences came from all around Europe, but most notably the Greeks, the Italians, the Mediterranean. With the current weather conditions at the time, the value of salt was extremely high. With salt having such a high value, the salt trade led to a stratification of society, as the rulers of the salt trade became wealthy. The economic basis of the Hallstatt culture focused on the mining and distribution of rock salt. During the early Iron Age there was an increased demand for salt. The demand was attributed to the dry weather which lasted from 700 to 500 B.C. The salt trade was motivated by the need for the increase in the dietary use of salt to prevent dehydration. Also salt was valuable for preserving meats during the winter. The salt trade was of great economic importance to the Hallstatt culture as suggested by the difficulty in the mining of salt. With the tools available to the salt miners of Hallstatt they could advance into the rock at a rate of 1 met...

Tennessee Vital Records - Births, Deaths Marriages

Tennessee Vital Records - Births, Deaths Marriages Learn how and where to obtain birth, marriage, and death certificates and records in Tennessee, including the dates for which Tennessee vital records are available, where they are located, and links to online Tennessee state vital records databases. Tennessee Vital Records1st Floor, Central Services Building421 5th Avenue, NorthNashville, TN 37243Phone: 615-741-1763 What You Need to Know:Check or money order should be made payable to Tennessee Vital Records. Personal checks are accepted. Call or visit the Web site to verify current fees. A photocopy of a valid government issued form of identification which includes the requestor’s signature, usually a driver’s license, must accompany requests for birth and death records. Web site: Tennessee Office of Vital Records   Tennessee Birth Records: Dates: From 1908 Cost of copy: $15.00 long form; $8.00 short form Comments: Tennessee birth records less than 100-years-old are only available to the individual named on the certificate, or their spouse, parent, legal guardian or child. However, verification of information from the records (a transcription of all available information)  can be provided to any requester with a Verification of Birth Facts request. Birth records are available from the State Office beginning with January 1914 births. Records of births from 1908-1912 were kept by the County Clerk in the county where the birth occurred and are also available at the Tennessee State Archives. Records of some births that occurred in the major cities (Nashville since June 1881, Knoxville since July 1881 and Chattanooga since January 1882) are also available. Although the short form is cheaper, the long form (a photocopy of the original record) is much better for genealogical purposes!Application for Tennessee Birth Certificate * Memphis birth records from April 1874 - December 1887 and November 1898 - January 1, 1914 are available from the Memphis Shelby County Health Department. Online:Index to Davidson County Birth Records, 1908–1912Index to Nashville Birth Records, 1881–1913Index to Shelby County Birth Records, 1874–1906   Tennessee Death Records: Dates: From 1908 Cost of copy: $7.00 Comments: Tennessee death records less than 50-years-old are only available to the individual named on the certificate, or their spouse, parent, legal guardian or child. However, verification of information from the records can be provided to any requester with a Verification of Death Facts request. This is  transcription of all available information from the death record, excluding cause of death.   The State office has had death records for the entire State since January 1914, for Nashville since July 1874, for Knoxville since July 1887 and for Chattanooga since March 6, 1872. Death records are available from the State Vital Records Office for the past 50 years. Older death records can be requested through the Tennessee State Archives. Although the short form is cheaper, the long form (a photocopy of the original record) is much better for genealogical purposes!Application for Tennessee Death Certificate Online:Index to Tennessee Death Records: 1908-1912Statewide Index to Tennessee Death Records, 1914–1933)Index to Davidson County Death Records, 1900–1913Tennessee, Death Records, 1914-1955 (index images)   Tennessee Marriage Records: Dates: From 1861* Cost of copy: $15.00 (state) Comments: Tennessee marriage records less than 50-years-old are only available to the individuals named on the certificate, or their spouse, parent, legal guardian or child. However, verification of information from the records (a transcription of all available information) can be provided to any requester with a Verification of Marriage Facts request. The State office has marriage records for the entire State for the past 50 years. Older records are held by the Tennessee State Archives.Application for Tennessee Marriage Certificate * For Memphis birth records from April 1874 - December 1887 and November 1898 - January 1, 1914, and for Memphis death records from May 1848 to January 1, 1914, write to Memphis-Shelby County Health Department, Division of Vital Records, Memphis, TN 38105. A list of Tennessee marriages before 1861 has been published in six volumes. Copies of entries for a surname can be provided upon request for a small fee from the Tennessee State Archives. Online:Tennessee County Marriages, 1790-1950 (index images)Nashville and Davidson County Marriage Records 1788–1839 (index)Nashville Marriage Records 1864–1905  (index)Nashville and Davidson County Marriage Records 1905–1916  (index)   Tennessee Divorce Records: Dates: From July 1905 Cost of copy: $15.00 Comments: Vital Records Office keeps divorce records for 50 years. Older records are maintained by the Tennessee State Archives. Divorces can also be obtained from the Clerk of Court in the county where the divorce was granted. If youre ineligible to receive a certified copy of the divorce, you can still apply for Verification of Divorce Facts for a transcription of information from the divorce record.Application for Tennessee Divorce or Annulment Certificate * Early divorce requests in Tennessee had to be approved by the Tennessee General Assembly. Search the Index to Names in the Acts of Tennessee 1796-1850 to see if there is a listing for a particular individual. If found, the Tennessee State Archives can provide copies for a fee. More US Vital Records - Choose a State

Alfred Nobel and the History of Dynamite

Alfred Nobel and the History of Dynamite The Nobel prizes  were established by none other than inventor Alfred Nobel. But besides being the namesake behind  one of the most prestigious awards given annually for academic, cultural and scientific achievements, Nobel is also well-known for making it possible for people to blow things up.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Before all that, however, the Swedish  industrialist, engineer, and inventor  built bridges and buildings in his nations capital Stockholm. It was his construction work that inspired Nobel to research new methods of blasting rock. So in 1860, the Nobel first started experimenting with an explosive chemical substance called  nitroglycerin. Nitroglycerin and Dynamite Nitroglycerin was first invented by Italian chemist Ascanio Sobrero in 1846. In its natural liquid state, nitroglycerin is very volatile. Nobel understood this and in 1866 discovered that mixing nitroglycerine with silica would turn the liquid into a malleable paste called dynamite. One advantage that dynamite had over nitroglycerin was that it could be cylinder-shaped for insertion into the drilling holes used for mining. In 1863, Nobel invented the Nobel patent detonator or blasting cap for detonating nitroglycerin. The  detonator used a strong shock rather than heat combustion to ignite the explosives. The Nobel Company built the first factory to manufacture nitroglycerin and dynamite. In 1867, Nobel received U.S. patent number 78,317 for his invention of dynamite. To be able to detonate the dynamite rods, Nobel also improved his detonator (blasting cap) so that it could be ignited by lighting a fuse.  In 1875, Nobel invented blasting gelatine, which was more stable and powerful than dynamite  and patented it in 1876. In 1887, he was granted a French patent for  ballistite, a smokeless  blasting powder  made from nitrocellulose and nitroglycerine. While Ballistite was developed as a substitute for black gunpowder, a variation is used today as a  solid fuel rocket propellant. Biography On October 21, 1833, Alfred Bernhard Nobel was born in Stockholm, Sweden. His family moved to St. Petersburg in Russia when he was nine years old. Nobel prided himself on the many countries he lived in during his lifetime and considered himself a world citizen. In 1864, Albert Nobel founded Nitroglycerin AB in Stockholm, Sweden. In 1865, he built the Alfred Nobel Co. Factory in Krà ¼mmel near Hamburg, Germany. In 1866, he established the United States Blasting Oil Company in the U.S. In 1870, he established the Socià ©tà © gà ©nà ©ral pour la fabrication de la dynamite in Paris, France. When he died in 1896, Nobel  stipulated the year before in his last will and testament that 94 percent of his total assets go toward the creation of an endowment fund to honor achievements in  physical science, chemistry, medical science or physiology, literary work and service toward peace.  Hence, the Nobel prize is awarded yearly to people whose work helps humanity. In total, Alfred Nobel held three hundred and fifty-five patents in the fields of electrochemistry, optics, biology, and physiology.

Theory of planned behavior( Ajzen, 1991) Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Theory of planned behavior( Ajzen, 1991) - Essay Example The theory relates human behavior to beliefs, arguing that our behavior is influenced by our beliefs. The following study expounds on the Theory of Planned Behavior. The theory of planned behavior was coined by Icek Ajzen in 1985 after seemingly developing it from his joint proposal with Martin Fishbein’s of the theory of reasoned action in 1975 (Fishbein & Cappella, 2006). The theory of reasoned action was developed from many other proposed theories such as the attribution theory, the consistency theories, the expectancy-value theories, and the learning theories. As such, the theory of planned behavior is far-fetched; containing multiple frameworks from many other [proposed] theories. Ajzen coined this theory after evaluating and concluding that individual theories did not satisfactorily attempt to explain human behavior which, according to him is a â€Å"complex and difficult task† (Ajzen, 1991). Behavioral intention: This is the extent to which an intended behavior has motivational factors. It states that the higher the intention to perform a behavior, the higher the chances of it being performed. Social norms: Social norms are simply the standard customary codes as perceived by the larger context of society. In short, it is the level to which a behavior is acceptable or unacceptable according to society. These constructs are categorized into three contexts, that influence human behavior; individual attributes, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control. According to the theory of planned behavior, these three elements combined are what determine intention and/or action. They are discussed herein: Ajzen developed the context of perceived behavioral control from Bandura’s self-efficacy concept which states that a person’s ability to execute a behavior depends on their perception of its difficulty or ease. In short, a person’s belief is what motivates or demotivates them from executing a certain action. Belief may act as an

Visual Media Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Visual Media - Essay Example There is no overt action. The man is gently touching the woman as he finds her desirable and the woman is coyly maintaining certain distance. She appears hesitant as if she is trying something new. The first time look is evident on her face. These tactics have been deliberately employed to convey that while with Romance, you can have romance; it will be love and not just sex. This subtle differentiation between sex and romance has given the ad its classy value. The second message you get is that RL Romance is not for everyone. It's not a common-folks item. It is meant for people with certain tastes and this is evident from the clothing of the two models, however little they are wearing. The white clothing, the stylishly done hair and the serious expression on the face of the female model are done to maintain certain distance from the audience. It is not an-everyone perfume and it has to be portrayed as such. The moment the two models share is something private and is in complete contrast with the light flirtatious moment shared by the two models in CK ad (discussed below). This ad is employing propaganda by different techniques with most prominent being Scarlet Johansson's presence. The woman represents a variety of things including being a young, talented and sexy star. Using a star in an advertisement lends immense power to the brand without requiring any real proof. People are likely to think that since Scarlet Johansson is using this perfume, may be I should to. It has the testimonial value as well as the bandwagon value. Scarlet is 'cool, chic and happening' and if you want to be like her, use Eternity Moment. The ad uses a simple line too that says, "A moment can change everything". Indirectly the audience is being told that they should not underestimate the value of each moment while highlighting the significance of the product's name. the audience is also being reminded of the value of being prepared. In an important moment, if you are wearing the right perfume, that can change everything. Now this may or may not be true. But the ad takes it f or granted that we believe it to be true. Again like Ralph Lauren, Calvin Klein is also a well-known brand. Definitely the perfume may not be used by the common folks but the ad gives you a feeling that it can be or rather should be used by everyone who wants to turn an ordinary moment into something exceptional. Capturing Johansson with a girlish grin on her face gives the ad a common-folks value. She appears genuinely happy like any ordinary girl in love. Most women would be able to connect with her and the expansive of her happy soul. The model is having a pleasant experience and this is something everyone can relate to. The same could not be said of the Ralph Lauren ad that maintains a certain stiffness of manner to exude class and sophistication. Interesting both these advertisements lack color. They are done in black and white with a hint of color in the perfume bottle. This color is almost non-existent in RL Romance ad while it is

The Guest Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

The Guest - Essay Example In this case, the French did not consider the conflict created by ordering Daru to bring a fellow countryman, albeit an alleged criminal, to French authorities. Desolation is symbolized by Daru's character. He is from the impoverished region, and as a school teacher there, he was ". . . satisfied with the little he had . . ." (373) and, "Everywhere else, he felt exiled" (373). Camus closes the story saying, "In this vast landscape he had loved so much, he was alone" (383) A greater meaning was that Daru followed his conscience, instead of following orders, by not delivering the Arab to the authorities. This reflects his contempt for being under the French government's authority; he made it clear to Balducci by saying, "I won't hand him over" (376). However, it was "with heavy heart" (383) that he sees the Arab walking in the direction of prison instead of possible freedom, after Daru shows him the two different directions, gives him provisions for two days and leaves him. This, according to Thomas Arp, is a demonstration of ". . . the unpredictability of the consequences of human choices in unfriendly conditions" (386). Overall, the characters are believable and the plot is realistic; it is well crafted fiction. Its success stems from its historical setting, just before the Algerian War, 1954-1962, when Algeria rebelled against French rule and won independence.

Frontlines Black Money Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Frontlines Black Money - Essay Example From the perspective of a high-end chauffeur, it then details the lavish expenditures that accompanied the lifestyles of the Saudi princes immediately after the arms deal was completed and how he was instructed to refer all expenses to BAE. It then discusses how the Foreign Corruption Practices (FCPA) was formed in the United States during the Carter administration and how it makes United States laws against bribery the most strict in the world. Later, because of competitive disadvantages American companies were experiencing, the international community created the OECD to make it a world-wide offense. Even with these policies intact, large companies, such as BAE and the German company Siemens still found ways to work around the system. It discusses the Department of Justice’s (DOJ) 500 million dollar fine of KBR, a Halliburton subsidiary, for breaking United States anti-bribery laws. Eventually, a full scale investigation is launched by British investigators into the BAE scan dal and unearths a world-wide multi-billion dollar series of slush funds. An investigation is launched into BAE practices in Switzerland. Just as the investigation is supposed to unearth potent information, Prince Bandar visits with Tony Blair and informs him that if the investigation continues then the Saudis will stop cooperating with the British on anti-terrorism laws. This information, coupled with an apparent blackmail plot against the investigator, results in the investigation being dropped, with the Saudi connections to the United States being investigated further by the DOJ. The film ends on a somber note, concluding that the rules for the use of this ‘black money’ are different for the large corporations -- who can get away with it -- and the small businesses that face OECD

U.S. law-making and implementation Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

U.S. law-making and implementation - Essay Example However, the process of law making is not as easy as it appears since it involves lengthy processes, as well as political involvement, which makes law making and implementation very complex. Law making starts with only one member making a proposal based on legislation idea from outside or inside the congress. Members of the congress receive drafts from academics, the state legislature, interest groups, executive branch departments, the president, and the federal agencies. When members like the concept that is in the draft, they will introduce it as their own idea or they can distance themselves from it and introduce it by request. This means that they introduce the bill just because of professional courtesy and not because they embrace the ideas in the proposal. A legislative proposal made by the president is given advance publicity or he announces it formally when giving a speech in a state of the union or when giving a press conference. An example is president Obama’s proposal on Gun control and the 2010 act on healthcare. However, a proposal emanating from the president does not have privileges of passing into a law automatically; it must pass through the proc ess as any other bill. Politics from both sides of the government have a great influence on the passing of a bill. Although, for the case of the president, he can rely on his party for support, there is still a great challenge because the other party might fail to support the bill (U.S. G.P.O. 3). Furthermore, the checks and balances of American traditional law making process limit the president’s powers by not allowing him to pass his own legal proposal into law without hustle. Hence, for the bill to pass, he must lobby ferociously just as the other legislative advocates do to protect and respect the independence of the American legislature from the executives. For instance, the legislative proposal on gun control by

Content Analysis Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Content Analysis - Assignment Example 3G helps fulfill the needs of its users to have instant access to corporate networks, e-mail and the internet. 3G also helps use certain personal-use applications ranging from multimedia and e-commerce applications to â€Å"smart† appliances. Evolution of 3G also ensures the development of the envisioned advanced applications in the near future. The article also mentions some perfect advantages of the 3G technology. This technology enables managers’ instant teleconferencing with their colleagues in case they r on drive. This is made as simple by 3G as making a phone call to someone while driving or being busy. Similarly, mobile video on demand is another interesting use of 3G that helps users to watch sports highlights, news and video clips of their choice anytime on their cell phones. Today 3G enabled vehicles are capturing the auto industry. These enable the drives to have access to the traffic view cameras, gaming, internet access, and video-streaming. The second selected article shows the positive aspects of social networking. Reading this particular article will allow you to know and understand the benefits that accrue to the users while using social networking. These benefits are: Social networking provides a cheaper way to advertise as it costs very less to a person in employment of social networking strategies online compared to paying huge amounts for other alternatives. Social networking enables businesses to know what their customers and users like in their products or services and what they do not. Since advertisement is impersonal and this concept does not work so well now, the personal relationship gained through socializing with customer is very much valuable comparing to advertisement. It always creates trust and credibility when you connect with your customers on a personal level. Simply ask for help, offer expertise and services by socializing with customers because you may be deemed spam if you

U.S. law-making and implementation Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

U.S. law-making and implementation - Essay Example However, the process of law making is not as easy as it appears since it involves lengthy processes, as well as political involvement, which makes law making and implementation very complex. Law making starts with only one member making a proposal based on legislation idea from outside or inside the congress. Members of the congress receive drafts from academics, the state legislature, interest groups, executive branch departments, the president, and the federal agencies. When members like the concept that is in the draft, they will introduce it as their own idea or they can distance themselves from it and introduce it by request. This means that they introduce the bill just because of professional courtesy and not because they embrace the ideas in the proposal. A legislative proposal made by the president is given advance publicity or he announces it formally when giving a speech in a state of the union or when giving a press conference. An example is president Obama’s proposal on Gun control and the 2010 act on healthcare. However, a proposal emanating from the president does not have privileges of passing into a law automatically; it must pass through the proc ess as any other bill. Politics from both sides of the government have a great influence on the passing of a bill. Although, for the case of the president, he can rely on his party for support, there is still a great challenge because the other party might fail to support the bill (U.S. G.P.O. 3). Furthermore, the checks and balances of American traditional law making process limit the president’s powers by not allowing him to pass his own legal proposal into law without hustle. Hence, for the bill to pass, he must lobby ferociously just as the other legislative advocates do to protect and respect the independence of the American legislature from the executives. For instance, the legislative proposal on gun control by

Automated Attendance Essay Example for Free

Automated Attendance Essay There are many cases in which it would be bene? cial for the University of Stellenbosch to be in possession of an automated class register system. Such a system would be of most value to students, who may make use of system reports and statistics to assess their own approach to their studies, and be kept informed about course material covered in classes attended and missed. An automated attendance recording system would be advantageous to the lecturer, by providing data on student attendances which may be correlated with a student’s academic progress. Attendance recording is an important aspect of tests and exams, where a record must be kept of students writing the paper. Finally, such a system could provide evidence of a student’s class attendance habits in cases where the University is accused by a student of providing insu? cient guidance in lectures. In such cases, the University holds no liability if it can be showed that the student was regularly absent from class. Â  Problem De? nition This project is derived from a topic suggested by Mr. H. R. Gerber for the development of an automated class attendance recording device. The device must positively identify students and provide reliable class attendance logs for the bene? t of students, lecturers and the University, as described in the previous section.Attendance logs must be stored on a centralised database in order to generate reports and statistics. Therefore, the device must be able to communicate with a central database server. Students should be able to access information and personalized reports generated by the system for e? ective self-assessment and keeping up to date. Lecturers should be able to view attendance information and be able to add information to the system. The system should also provide appropriate administration interfaces for administering the recording devices and system parameters. Â  Scope and Aims of Project As part of the original project proposal, it was speci? ed that the student identi? cation device make use of RFID scanner technology, and that the device should be able to communicate via wireless with the central database server. As such, using an RFID scanner and wireless communications is part of the project scope, however alternatives to RFID and wireless communication is discussed The scope of this project does not include an in-depth theoretical study on a particular subject. Â  Introduction to Other Chapters Chapter 2 speci? es the design process used, and states design limitations. It includes an analysis of the problem, the design process and a system level analysis. Chapter 3 and 4 contains detailed design considerations for all leaf-node components of this project, as de? ned in chapter 2 Chapter 5 contains testing and integration information. Chapter 6 contains recommendations and a conclusion to the project. Chapter 2 System Analysis and Design The design approach used in this project involves breaking the main system up into subsystems called ’branches’. Each subsystem branch may be broken up further into subbranches, and subbranches may again be broken up into ’leaf-nodes’, which represent the lowest level of subsystems. This method forms a tree-like structure overview of the system as represented in ? gure . In this way, system level analysis and design is done by looking at the overlaying structure of the system, while detail design is limited to the leaf nodes. At the lowest level, components and design methods are chosen based on functional and non-functional requirements and design constraints. Once the lowest levels of sub-systems are designed, they are integrated and tested in a ’Bottom-up’ approach until all subsystem branches are combined into the all encompassing top-level system. In essence, a ’Top-Down’ analysis and design method with ’Bottom-Up’ integration and testing process is used. Figure ow-chart representation specifying the design approach used for this project, with inherent awareness of design constraints and limitations. Focusing on designing subsystems provides an advantage in that once one sub-system’s design is completed, it may be sent in for manufacturing while design of the other subsystems can continue in parallel with manufacturing, which saves time. If one subsystem fails, it can be redesigned without in? uencing other sub-systems, and in this way valuable time is saved.

HR Practices Of Four Seasons

HR Practices Of Four Seasons Introduction Nowadays the range of luxury hotels all over the world is very big. There are different types of luxury hotels and all of them have their own policy, procedures and missions. Competition among these kinds of hotels is huge nowadays. The competition is based not on prices or percentage of discounts but it is based on values, exclusivity, atmosphere and quality of service. One of these competitors is world known, luxury brand Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts. However Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts managed to differentiate them from all other competitors in the Hotel Industry. In Four Seasons, management has a huge value of their employees, because they know that the power of service is in human resources. Human Recourse Management in Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts definitely plays very important role for providing success of the company and delivering premises to their employees and customers. The following research provides readers with full picture of Human Resource Management Polic y of Four Seasons hotels and Resorts. Also additional recommendations and comments are given in order to clarify the policy and mission of Human Resource Management. The research includes five important questions about HRM. Answers for these questions can be used as tools to improve the human resource policy of Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts. As for readers the research will help them to understand the value and mission of Human Resource Management in Hospitality Industry. Introduce the Company and its positions in the Hospitality Industry. Is it an employer of choice? Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts Company was founded in 1960 by Isadore Sharp and positioned as luxury hotel chain. The first hotel was opened in 1961 in the downtown area of Toronto, Canada. Isadore Sharp started a new kind of luxury hotels by making it personalized, taking care of each customer and offering an excellent service for their guests. For funds Sharp involved his brother-in-law, Eddie Creed and his friend, Maurry Koffler. Each of them contributed to the project. From 1970 till 1976 there were opened several Four season Hotels and resorts in London, Ontario and Bahamas. In 1976 Four Seasons hotels and Resorts grew and decided to expand in North America. So in 1976 they entered the US market in San-Francisco. So in 1977, Isadore Sharp along with Creed and Korrler decided to convert Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts into private company. Four Seasons has created a new niche in luxurious segment of Hospitality Industry, thus provided themselves with a great opportunity to grow. In 1986 the company went public, by being presented on stock market, but in 2007 it became private company again. By 1991 the company had around 36 hotels all over the world and around 13 sales and corporate offices. However Four Seasons faced with some financial issues and was rescued by investor from Saudi Arabia, the Saudi Prince Al-Waleed. In 1994 he purchased 25 percent of Four Seasons stocks and invested around C$100 million. After investing by Saudi Prince, the Four Seasons continued their expiation and opened new properties in Singapore, Mexico City, Berlin and Prague. In mid-nineties, whole hotel industry faced a downturn. As a result Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts turned to managing style rather owning hotels because it was much more profitable in the long run. (Four Seasons Hotels Incs HR Practice., 2009). Nowadays Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts has 84 properties all over the world with exclusive service and very clear companys culture. Nowadays Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts has several competitors in Hospitality Industry. They are Fairmont Hotels, Ritz-Carlton, St. Regis and Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group. Positions of Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts are very strong now. Despite on financial problems they faced in 1994, Four Seasons managed to stabilize and continue growing in hospitality industry. Four Seasons continues to have more of its hotels designated as AAA Five Diamond properties than any other hotel company and it has the most Mobil Five Star awards in the industry. The company is also consistently highly ranked in readers surveys in publications such as Conde Nast Traveler, Travel + Leisure, Institutional Investor, Andrew Harpers Hideaway Report and the Zagat Survey. (Hospitalitynet, 2010). First of all, the writer would like to give the definition of term Employer of choice. Any employer of any size in the public, private, or not-for-profit sector that attracts, optimize and holds top talent for long tenure, because the employees choose to be there. (Herman and Gioia, 2002, p. xi). Personalized service is a unique feature of Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts. But in order to make the service unique for their guests, the company pays attention to their employees. Four seasons Management teams do value their staff and treat them as guests, also with uniqueness. As one of employees said: Youre never threated like just and employee. You are a guest. (Four Seasons Hotels Incs HR Practice., 2009). This is the one and the most important reason why Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts became an Employer of choice. The company is recognized by many popular magazines as an Employer of Choice. For example, since 1998 Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts are among 100 The best Companies to Wo rk for, by Fortune Magazine. In 2009 Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts Company was awarded The best Workplace by Great Place to Work Institute Canada. Later in 2009 the Company was awarded Lifetime Commitment Award by National Society of Minorities in Hospitality (NSMH). In addition they were awarded Inductee to Canadas 10 Most Admired Corporate Cultures Hall of Fame 2010. Also Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts pay a lot of attention to trainings and development programs, thus in 2010 the company was listed in Training top 125 by Training Magazine. (FourSeason, 2010). As Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts in an international company and has many hotels all over the world, some of Four Seasons properties were also recognized by leading tourism and hospitality magazines. For example Four Seasons Hotels in the United Kingdom were The Best place to Work in Hospitality in 2008; Four Seasons Hotel Dublin received Business Award Status, based on the Hotels best practices in Recruitment and Select ion and Learning, Development and Progression; in 2008 Four Seasons Hotel Prague was awarded as Company of the Year 2008. This award is given to the companies who supporting the employment of hearing-challenged individuals. (FourSeason, 2010). All these awards and recognitions are the main indicator of Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts culture and a result of well-organized corporate environment. Explain its culture, its unique to the Company, how does this vary from its major competitors. Four Seasons Hotels and resorts has their own and unique service culture. The culture is mainly based on Golden Rule by Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts. The philosophy of Golden Rule is very simple and clear. As the CEO of Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts, Isadore Shard defined it: The Golden Rule do unto others, as you would have them to do unto you (Four Seasons Hotels Incs HR Practice., 2009). According to Mr. Sharp definition it is very important to treat everyone: guests, colleagues and partners as you would want them to treat you. Within Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts the Golden Rule applied to every person in the company and it does not matter whether you are manager or front line employee. What Four Seasons calls its unique service culture is based on a series of insights and beliefs about the person who provides the act of service, and the one who receives it. In writers opinion, the Golden Rule makes the uniqueness and creating a very positive atmosphere within all company and all properties around the world. The scheme below represents the forming of the culture. (Scheme 1) Scheme 1 As readers can see from the Scheme 1 there are several steps leading to the organizational culture. The first step is Philosophy of companys founder. As it was mentioned above Mr. sharp has his own philosophy of service and companys culture which is based on making the service exclusive and personalized. By implementing his own view of the service into Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts Companys structure, Isadore Sharp has created absolutely new type of culture not only for his personal need but also for whole the company. The next step is Selection Criteria, which is based on recruiting and selection of candidates. As we know from the case-study of Four Seasons Hotels Inc., each potential candidate for any position in four seasons Hotels and Resorts had to pass through five interviews and the final one was with the General Manager of the Hotel. In the example above readers can see that selection process in Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts is very difficult. It means that the company ne eds the best employees from the best. The selection process is very important for the company, because managers look for really professionalized persons or persons who have potential to learn and to be trained. The thing is that Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts based on personal service, thats why they have such complicated selection process. The next steps of analyzing Four Seasons culture are Top Management and Socialization. Top Management plays very important role in forming companys culture. As readers can see, in Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts Company, senior executives help to establish behavioral standards that can be adopted by the company. Socialization is a process which helps new employees to adopt into companys culture and implement skills and advantages in practice, by making service in Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts personalized. In addition the Socialization step can be separated into several stages like Pre-arrival stage, Encounter stage and Metamorphosis stage. Al l these stages directly helps in the process of forming the culture of Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts. In writers opinion, Four Seasons company culture is much differentiated form its main competitors. As an example, the companys culture of Ritz-Carlton Hotels and Resorts is based on Gold Standards of the company. Gold Standards consist of six parts which includes the credo, the motto of the company, the three steps of service, service values, the 6th diamonds and the employee promises. (Gold Standards of Ritz-Carlton, 2010). As if follows, Four Seasons and Ritz-Carlton cultures are focused on making the service they provide more personalized, but in addition Four Seasons hotels and Resorts are focused on their employees. As a result, readers can make a conclusion that in Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts, the culture is as guests oriented as employees oriented. To prove this statement, the writer would like to present a phrase maintained in the case-study: Loyalty to guests is important, but employees come first. (Four Seasons Hotels Incs HR Practice., 2009). One of the most important Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts differences from major competitors is that the company is more employees oriented rather other companies in Hospitality industry. As a result it attracts more and more employees to join Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts. How does HRM fit into the companys vision, mission values? Do these reflect a strategic purpose? How does HRM fit into the overall identity of the company, its managers and employees, make recommendations for any improvement and justify these. Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts haves their own vision, mission and values which are behead on Golden Rule. From HRM point of view, it directly into companys values, vision and mission. From the strategic nature of HRM in Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts, they deal with day-to-day issues, but it is also proactive in nature and integrated with other management functions. In addition HRM makes more clarified strategic view of human resource in Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts. From the recruitment point of view, human resource management makes sophisticated recruitment for all employees. In addition it has strong internal labour market for core employees. (Henderson, 2008). One of the most important values of Four Seasons hotels and Resorts is empowerment. HRM is responsible for delivering this feature to employees vision. Empowerment is management responsibility of sharing information, rewards, and power with employees so that they can take personal initiative and make decisions to solv e problems and issues of the guests and improve service quality and performance of the company. It is based concept of giving employees the skills, resources, authority, opportunity, motivation, as well giving them responsibilities of their actions. (BusinessDictionary, 2010). In Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts management pay lots of attention to empowerment because it helps to increase the level of service and in addition it makes employees feeling more responsible and important for the company. Thats why in all Four Seasons properties employees can act and take decisions independently. It means that for human recourse management, employees satisfaction is very important as guests satisfaction. Based on this writer can definitely say that Human Resource Management make big contribution into companys vision, value and mission. In Human Resource Management, trainings play also an important role in employees development and success. As for Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts, trainings ar e transformed into learning and development philosophy transcending job-related training programs. The advantage of trainings in Four Seasons is that all trainings are designed foal all levels of employees including non-management. In addition trainings are designed to develop leadership and personal skills. For example Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts has a special program designed for graduates of hotel schools. Applying to Manager In Training Programs (MIT) is meant that candidates has the attitude to be trained, accept Golden Rule and successfully implement it in their job. (Manager In Training Programms, 2010). In order to improve HRM policy of Four Seasons Hotels and Resort the writer would suggest several steps to make it more balanced between guest oriented policy and employees oriented policy. Four Seasons are trying to balance these two subjects, but it seems that they are a bit confused about it. The solution of this issue is to provide more benefits for their employees. First of all it would increase the flow of qualified persons who have ability to be learnt. From the other hand it would motivate employees to increase their level of education, to apply for mote training programs in order to get career development in the future. The third advantage of increasing employees benefits is that this would change and directly review the policy of the Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts thus make it more employees oriented. But for the other hand the company should not forget about their main goals personalized service for each customer. That is why Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts make their em ployees empowered. The HRM policy of the company is also based on forwarding employees to the right way, the way of Golden Rule. They dont do anything special, but their work is not easy, because Human Resource Department is the first who faced with employees challenges and in addition they have to bring the ideas and values of Golden Rules into employees minds, in order to reach companys goals which are based on exclusive and personalized service in all Four seasons Hotels and Resorts. Does it have effective policies and procedures in HRM? Critically evaluate the ones you have identified. As readers can see from examples above, Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts have very specific HRM policy. The thing is that in Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts Human Resource Management is based on standards, but they dont have lots of rules. As they prefer personalized customer service they do empower their employees, so they can act in any situations. This allows employees to take actions and to feel free to respond all customers needs. As in all situations, there is a risk of making wrong decision. The employee will be responsible for this, but in all cases the company can lose their customer which will affect the company as a whole. As Human Resource policy in Four Seasons Hotels and resorts is more companys philosophy orientated the employee turnover is just a half compared with the whole industry. Four Seasons created their own niche in the hospitality industry. Nowadays Four Seasons Hotels and resort has several main competitors. From HRM point of view, employees benefits are one of the most attractive parts for people who are interested in joining company. The term employees benefits is common for all industries. Employee benefits are all benefits and services, other from wages for time worked, that are provided to employees in whole or in part by their employers. (Definition of Employee benefits, 2010). Below, the researcher presented the table of benefits, which presents the whole picture of benefits policy of Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts and its main competitor Ritz-Carlton. The table will help readers to analyze and examine employee benefits of two main competitors in luxury mid-size hotel niche. In addition both competitors use management contracts model of managing properties. This is very good decision. The thing is that there are several recent examples that show that franchising method of managing properties doesnt work in a proper way nowadays. Development of employees commitment or loyalty directly depends on job conditions provided by employer. That is why providing basic benefits in necessary for big companied like Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts. But in order to attract more employees whey included more benefits in basic conditions. Definitely this action would influence the flow of employees and would increase motivation, which will positive effect the company. Table 1 Benefits Hotel Brands Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts Ritz-Carlton Hotels and Resorts Career growth opportunities Career growth/promotions opportunities Unique deep culture Discounts on spa treatments Best-in Industry training Childcare discounts Luxury environment in magnificent locations world wide Tuition reimbursement Profit sharing / incentive bonus / competitive salaries Income replacement programs (both short and long-term disability) Complimentary stays at Four Seasons properties with discounted meals Discounted accommodation in all Ritz-Carlton Hotels and Resorts Paid holidays / vacation Paid vacation, sick and holiday leave Educational assistance Health and wellness insurance programs Dental and medical / disability / life insurance Life/health/dental/vision insurance Retirement benefits / pension Retirement savings and profit sharing plans Employee service awards Healthcare and dependent care spending accounts Annual employee party / social and sporting events Service anniversary awards Complimentary meals in dedicated employee restaurants Complimentary or low cost meals in your Employee Dining Room (Four Seasons Benefits, 2010), (Ritz-Carlton: Understand Benefits, 2010) After careful comparison of both employees benefits, readers can define several differences, which directly influence the loyalty of employees. In order to make HRM policy more reliable, writer would suggest to enlarge number of benefits. In addition increasing different incentives for line-staff employees would also positive effect Human Resource policy of Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts. If you were the VP of HRM how would you move the company forward in the next five years? Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts is very developed luxury hotel chain.

Death of a Salesman is a Tragedy as Defined in Millers Tragedy and the

Death of a Salesman is a Tragedy as Defined in Miller's Tragedy and the Common Man In Tragedy and the Common Man, Arthur Miller discusses his definition and criteria for tragedy as they apply to the common man. The criteria and standards proposed by Miller may be used to evaluate his timeless work, Death of A Salesman. The first major standard of tragedy set forth is:   â€Å"...if the exaltation of tragic action were truly a property of the high-bred character alone, it is inconceivable that the mass of mankind should cherish tragedy above all other forms.† All persons regardless of background, nobility stature, rank, or pretended or actual social division can innately empathize with the tragic hero. In the case of Willy Loman there is a certain familiarity. He is the proverbial man down the block; indeed we may say in viewing the play   common man is empathizing with common man. Willy Loman is real. Where as some may remark, â€Å"I know someone like him,† perhaps they may even see themselves in him. Miller’s subtle wordplay of â€Å"Loman† and â€Å"layman† is interesting in this regard. It is our familiarity with Willy Loman that is the endearing quality which draws us closer to him. Through, identification with his struggles and pains we achieve an apprec iation of his plight. This identification is universal. The universality of identification is, among   those reading or viewing the play, a bonding force for persons of every station. Miller’s success in this point is bred from our own pathos for Willie Loman.   Ã‚  Ã‚   Another point by Miller is that, â€Å"the tragic feeling is invoked in us when we are in the presence of a character who is willing to lay down his life... to secure one thing- his sense of personal dignity.† Willie Loman is tha... ...mething greater than himself, his image, or his success. He is motivated by his love for his son.   Therefore, since his primary focus is beyond himself, it consequently elevates him. He taps into and is accordingly clothed with   the grandeur tragedy.   Ã‚  Ã‚   Considering the points discussed here in this paper, which is by no means a comprehensive analysis of Miller’s essay, several questions are raised in my mind. Did Arthur Miller provide us with this essay as a response or defense of Death of a Salesman? Is he trying to justify his work by remolding the definition of tragedy to justify and elevate this play? Whatever the case it is clear that Death of a Salesman fits the model set forth by Miller in Tragedy and the Common Man. Miller, Arthur. "Tragedy and the Common Man." Weales, Gerald, ed. Death of a Salesman: Text and Criticism. New York: Penguin Books 1996.